The Conrad Boys (2006)

Director:

Justin Lo

Writer:

Justin Lo (writer)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

If you thought growing up was hard, meet Charlie Conrad...

Plot:

Justin Lo makes his feature film debut as Charlie Conrad, a 19-year-old history buff with the world on his shoulders...

Plot Keywords:

College | Stolen Car | Father Son Relationship | Homosexual | Family Relationships

Cast

Justin Lo	...	Charlie Conrad
BooBoo Stewart	...	Ben Conrad
Nick Bartzen	...	Jordan Rivers
Barry Shay	...	Doug Conrad
Nancy Hancock	...	Tori Marshall
Katelyn Ann Clark	...	Louise Denver
Dorian Frankel	...	Evelyn Bridge
Lauren Xerxes	...	Suzie Conrad
Bruce Blauer	...	Vince Miller
Shane Arenal	...	Andy Calhoun
Bart Shattuck	...	Attorney Mark Poland
Connie Schiro	...	Principal Brower
Kari McDermott	...	Paula
Keegan Bell	...	PJ
Wesley Stiller	...	Keaton

Runtime:

USA:94 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Long Beach, California, USA

Company:

Newport Films

Too Many Irons in the Fire

CONRAD BOYS is not a bad movie: the story though frequently used by others holds its own, the style of direction keeps the pace moving, the message of the movie is worth stating. The problem is one of a single person assuming the role of writer, director, film editor AND principal actor. Justin Lo does well in all categories except the last one. As pleasant as he is to look at his ability to create a believable character on film is seriously lacking.

Charlie (Lo) is a 19-year old taking care of his little brother Ben (Boo Boo Stewart) after the sudden death of their mother. Charlie is a history buff headed for Columbia for college until his mother's death halts that direction. He becomes a recluse despite his friend Tori (Nancy Hancock) attempts to get him out of his café job and into a social life. But at last Charlie reluctantly attends a party and eventually encounters a very handsome, intelligent drifter Jordan (Nick Bartzen) who touches Charlie's buried attraction and the two become friends and more. Jordan has demons, some of which become painfully apparent form his life of crime's encounters from the past. Another stumbling block for Charlie's adjustment appears in the form of his long departed recovering alcoholic father Doug (Barry Shay) who has cleaned up his act and wants to be a part of Ben's and Charlie's lives. The myriad clashes to Charlie's fragile ego serve only to bring out his protective forces in caring for Ben and eventually his nascent longing for Jordan and his responsibility for Ben are settled in surprising ways.

The cast Lo has selected is fine - especially the promising young Nick Bartzen and the solid Barry Shay. If only Lo had had the foresight to cast Charlie with an equally fine actor the film would have played more strongly. But as a first film by a young talent there is reason to view this venture. Justin Lo gives evidence of being a solid talent who just needs some focus.