From Memorial Day to Labor Day, North Avenue Beach lifeguards confront challenges on the sand and in the bedroom, with strangers and with best friends. Starring Ben Wells as Hughie, Katie O’Hagan as the virgin neighbor who’s always pined for him, Robert Belushi (son of Jim) as Hughie’s ladies’ man best friend Otis, and Chryssie Whitehead as Otis’ ex/Hughie’s new squeeze.
The buzz: Writer/director/cast member Justen Naughton’s time spent working as a North Avenue Beach lifeguard lends “Riff Raff” a genuine sense of what it’s like to work and play among fellow ‘guards. Some might say the movie’s low on plot—all anyone does is go to work, chat about sex, have sex, and make some questionable romantic decisions—but it adds realism into a coming-of-age story without a ridiculous high concept (we gotta raise enough money to save our swim team!) or dumb, over-the-top hijinks. Note: A certain tolerance for immature jackasses is required to enjoy this.
The verdict: Kevin Smith (“Clerks,” “Chasing Amy”) practically deserves a writing credit for the witty dialogue and storylines dealing with issues like what constitutes cheating and accepting considerably experienced sexual partners. Yet while a lot of the setups are cliché, much of the execution isn’t. Naughton demonstrates honesty towards 20-something language, hookups and mistakes, and the ensemble’s personality and ability to draw specifics out of general characters makes up for some less-than-perfect acting. It’s a funny, snarky look at the hiccups of youth--indisputable truth: the combination of alcohol and loneliness is powerful--and the kind of summer that teaches lots no matter how hard you try to learn nothing.
Did you know? After one of many drunken evenings Otis claims, “I’m 95 percent certain I didn’t get laid last night.” Discuss if that percentage is too low, too high or just right.
Playing May 29-June 4 at Gene Siskel Film Center
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johnotter from Old Town - May 21, 2009 at 5:09 PM
www.riffraffthemovie.com
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