SPORK (2011)

Written & Directed By: JB Ghuman Jr.
Cinematography By: Bradley Stonesifer
Edited By: Phillip J. Bartell

Cast: Savannah Sthelin, Sydney Park, Rachel G. Fox, Rodney Eastman, Beth Grant, Elaine Hendrix, Keith David, Yeardley Smith, Chad Allen, Richard Riehle


I can't say enough good things about this film. It is a film that deserves better then it is getting. it is a gem stuck in the middle of a mediocre wasteland of cinema. Now i will admit it is not the best film technical wise. I must say though it is the film that i have enjoyed the most so far this year. So it is on top of my list of the best films of the year (So Far)

Some will say the film is derivative of the film NAPOLEON DYNAMITE. In certain aspects yesonlythis film actually has a message about acceptance. Is more original and not as broad as the former. It is also funnier, but the humor here is borderline offensive in some scenes but the whole film is done with a overall sweetness and naievete that youknow it's not malicious. Though the film stars children, Due to language it is a film that might not be suitable for younger kids. It might be the fact that the language and jokes come out of the mouths of children that makes it feel not as dirty and more humor inducing.

I love that the film is so colorful and seems to be stuck on a early to mid nineties hip hop feel and flow as far as music and style. The film is also partly a musical with quite a few dance scenes.

I think i love this film because i relate to it as will anyone who has ever truly been a outcast or felt like one. Since the films overall message is tolerance. While it mainly deals with situations with humor. The emotions and dram sprinkled in ring of truth and are affecting.

The film follows young Spork who is a Hemaphrodite and stuck in middle school she is a outcast who is poor and lives in a trailer park with herbrother and longsto belong. She finally begins to feel self confidence thanks to her neighbor and new friend Tootsie roll who becomes her friend after she finally fights back against school bullies the Bey-otches. The film follows Spork's journey of self-Esteem

The film is a coming of age film that is laugh out loud funny. Though at times it is dark around the edges it is heartwarming. If i had to compare the film to any others that i have seen. it would be NAPOLEON DYNAMITE and one of my favorites WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE. only this film has more heart and isn't as cynical. Which makes it harder for the film in the marketplace. I tend to enjoy films like this because of the fact of the overall sweetness involved and that is rare. the filmhas a certain innocence about it which is refreshing in a cynical world. That is howi feel about most children's films that i watch. Here it doesn't seem as manufactured and feels to a certain degree genuine.

The Young cast excels especially Sydney Park as Tootsie roll i expect to see good things happen to herin her career. I really like the direction of this film as it goes from gritty to surreal in a moments notice and from Raunchy to sweet also. I really can't wait to see the next feature by JB Ghuman Jr in the future he is definately one to keep your eye on.

DEFINATELY a must see and a addition to the film library when it comes out on DVD.

GRADE: B+

The film is in limited release and in New York is playing at the Quad Theater. i was happy to have the theater all to myself as i was watching it with no distractions, But when the film ended i was sad that the film isn't being seen or doing the business it should. So this is my part by begging you to seek the film out and see it Recommend it to your friends trust me it is worth it. if you don't live in New york check your local listings.