It is no surprise that Jeffrey Blitz's freshman narrative has been picked up for distribution. He has managed to take a strong, independent-minded story and package it so well that it becomes accessible to the mainstream. What struck me most about the film was its refusal to follow Hollywood convention, either in its plot or its characters. The story is engaging from the opening moment, bringing you into the world of high school debate with ease. If you are as calloused by Hollywood's handling of storyline as I am, you believe you can see the plot progression a mile away. But every step along the way, Blitz chooses the road less traveled. The result is a story worth following. The characters were bold and fascinating. Blitz has chosen to follow individuals that are routinely ignored in film. No too-cool-for-school jock with his cheerleader girlfriend ("Varsity Blues"). No deeply-disturbed, drug-abusing teen prostitute ("Thirteen"). No stereotypical pathetic nerd who yearns for acceptance (any teen movie from the 80's). Rather, he gravitates toward the average: normal teens stumbling through the pains of adolescence while learning their place in the world. The actors brought these characters to life by making them honest, and in turn making me care. One of the tragic downfalls of much independent film is the lack of attention to fit and polish. I will always argue that story is supreme in film, but a professional look and feel will always help convey that story. Blitz accomplishes the Hollywood feel without compromising.
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