TRUE ADOLESCENTS (2009)

Written & Directed By: Craig Johnson Cinematography By: Kathryn Westergaard Editor: Jennifer Lee Cast: Mark Duplass, Melissa Leo, Bret Loehr, Cara Dumont, Carr Thompson Craig Johnson's poised and poignant first feature follows Sam (Mark Duplass), an, unbeknownst to him, washed-up rocker in the early stages of haggard. Jobless and apartment-less, he crashes with his aunt (a compassionate Melissa Leo) as a last resort and becomes reluctant camping-trip chaperone to her teenage son and a pal. That the three males are on par, maturity-wise, makes for engaging ensemble juvenilia. But in the stirring Pacific Northwest wilderness a surprising discovery turns dire -- and the distance from boy to man must be covered overnight. Duplass's ballsy and at times balls-out performance is a winner, particularly when Sam at long last takes stock of himself: it ain't pretty. This film reminds me of a lighter, less subtle GREENBERG. IT's a story of arrested Devlopment. As a man in his 30's. Who is a slacker who has rockstar dreams. Who through the adventure of taking his nephew and the nephew's friend camping is forced to take responsibility. It's funny to me to watch scenes with him and the boys. When he is acting more immature then them and he' supposed to be the responsible adult out of all of them. The film has a bunch of pases for majestic visuals, Contemplation amd soul searching, But doesn't feel pretentious. It's a film that caught me off guard as since it stars Mark Duplass. I thought it would be mumblecore like. Sort of like the films he makes with his brothers and sometimes stars in for other directors. The film really strikes a chord and endeared itself. I think a good sixe of the audience like me can relate to the feeling of getting older and wanting to hold onto all of your dreams. Having to eventually face responsibility and reality. The film has a sly sense of humor and a bit of satire, but feels truthful in every other way. It's not too heavy as it never truly answers any questions it raises. IT gives you a general sense of things. Like a mumblecore film nothing much happens, yet alot of things happen emotionally. It is mostly internalized. It's a film worth watching and thinking about GRADE: B+