Passive aggressive and dependent on others of their own kind, box elder bugs create havoc and annoyance when swarming in groups. Todd Sklar, a triple threat in the filmmaking business, wrote, directed, and starred in the coming of age tale, Box Elder. With a shoestring budget and 18 days of shooting, Box Elder is a promising first attempt with an entertaining story and relatable characters.
Four best buds, followed through their college years, fail to become independent from the group and use their university experience as a time to drink, have sex, and eat sandwiches, as most college students do. Much like other movies of this genre, the story follows four characters: the hopeless romantic, the party animal with ridiculous advice, the responsible one, and the ladies man. As they stumble through classes and exams, they’re forced to examine their dependence on each other.
The chemistry cemented by the dialogue and plotlines is reminiscent of ’90s films like Mall Rats (or any Kevin Smith film, for that matter) and even ’80s flicks like Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Improvisation and subtle humor drive the friendships and create a strong rapport between the characters, who find amusement in even the most quotidian activities — like eating sandwiches. Although the film has its share of laugh-out-loud moments, other jokes become stale after repetition and drawn-out scenes. Like an Atkin-dieters burger with no bun, the plot tends to lack enough beginning and conclusion, leaving us with a considerable amount of middle; but it’s one hell of a patty in between. Creative camera shots and editing create an interesting dynamic throughout the film and an element of randomness that mirrors the characters.
As an independent filmmaker, Sklar is utilizing traditional grassroots marketing to promote the film. He’s currently touring with the film, and is using social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace to spread the word about Box Elder through the fans’ voices. The film even has its own YouTube channel.
An indie story centered on a generation of misunderstood, misguided, and privileged youth, Box Elder will surely leave you entertained. Now showing at the Oak Street Cinema.
7:30 p.m., through Tuesday, April 15th, The Oak Street Cinema, 309 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis, 612-331-3134, $7.
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