The Scoop

Attic Trunk  IMDB

 Renowned character actor Edmund Gwenn said on his deathbed that "Dying is easy but comedy is hard." Raugi Yu's latest film, Attic Trunk, attempts to tackle both of these challenging themes simultaneously. The movie follows Jason as he leaves his sister's funeral and is asked by his father to clean up the family home. Before he can leave, he is surprised by an old friend, Annalise, whom he has not seen in twenty years. As they catch up, their complex history of unrequited love and lost friendship emerges. The film deals with heavy themes such as death and loss, but at its best moments, it showcases how humor and wit can be used as a coping mechanism for personal turmoil. Annalise and Jason find joy in one-upping each other with outrageousness. An anecdote they use about a sex cult run by a raccoon, for example, provides the audience some light-hearted moments amidst the overall somber atmosphere. The chemistry between the two lead actors, Andrew McNee and Josette Jorge, is essential to the film's success. The only misstep in the film is the introduction of Jason’s parents in the final act, which takes the story in an unnecessary direction. Yu's strong visuals and the editing add interest and depth to a seemingly mundane world. The movie realistically portrays the strangeness of experiencing loss and how life goes on even when it feels like it shouldn't. Although losing someone or something is painful journey, Attic Trunk serves as a reminder of the happiness that can be found in the midst. I recommend this film to anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotional experience. - Jon Russell Cring

Teenage Girl “Skip Day”  IMDB

In today's entertainment landscape, creating content that appeals to adolescents can be a challenging undertaking. With the line between dark dramas like Euphoria and cheesy tween programming found on Disney+ becoming more and more defined, there's a definite void. Fortunately, Teenage Girl "Skip Day" fills that void with ease. Writer and Director, Aaron Lopez, brings together a group of characters that feel genuine and relatable, without resorting to superficial stereotypes. The film revolves around four friends who take a senior skip day and embark on a series of adventures that help them discover how much they have in common and what they can learn from each other's unique qualities. Along the way, viewers are treated to a delightful array of 80s film references. While all four actresses deliver great performances, Ivan Danforth's portrayal of Bren stands out for its honesty and realism. The casting feels authentic and presents viewers with relatable characters that are not simply a product of a marketing strategy. The cinematography and music are both solid, although at times there is a tendency to rely too heavily on the classic montage. There's a line where homage can turn into space-filling and this film occasionally crosses that line. What sets Teenage Girl "Skip Day" apart is its willingness to embrace the quiet moments that teenagers experience alongside the mayhem they often create.Overall, the film is a satisfying watch and promises the continuation of the saga of these four ladies. Don't miss out on Teenage Girl "Skip Day." - Jon Russell Cring

Teenage Girl “First Wheels”  IMDB

The notion that a person's first car and first love share similar qualities of being magical, sometimes disappointing, and ultimately unforgettable serves as an interesting metaphor that seems to drive the narrative of the film, Teenage Girl "First Wheels." This movie follows in the footsteps of 1980s classics, such as "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Licensed to Drive," and tells the story of two main characters, Alex and Claire, who embark on a journey to obtain Alex's brother’s hot red 1966 Mustang. As they abscond with the car, ensuing hijinks transpire, including impoundment. The film compounds the adage that Mustangs are beautiful on the outside but often contain flaws under the hood. While the visual aesthetics and locations in the film stand out as some of the best in the "Teenage Girl" film series, the movie struggles with its performances from male cast members. The brother's portrayal is less-than-stellar, and even the typically proficient Corey Feldman fails to excel in his role as a clueless father. Although Feldman's status promotes his casting, the character ultimately feels like a poor fit for him. On the other hand, Claire Tablizio and Jaden Riley Juarez deliver outstanding performances and successfully capture the complexity of a teenage girl friendship. One additional critique of the film is its over-dependence on"Cobra Kai” style fights to settle conflicts. Such theatrics come off as unnecessary and disruptive to the storyline. While "First Wheels" had the potential to be a fantastic film, it falls short due to its uneven performances and reliance on superfluous dramatics. Despite these drawbacks, it still proves an entertaining watch, with its two leading actresses demonstrating excellent acting skills. To best enjoy the film's charms, audiences should watch it for the girls and let the male characters take the bus ride home. - Jon Russell Cring