With its simplistic plot and meager cast, Fort Tilden is a brisk, breezy and mean comedy. It is an engaging film because of its sharply drawn characters, almost transparent that we can see every nuance of their thoughts and emotions. Sadly, they are very annoying, narrow-minded and shallow, far from being role models. They are silly enough to ditch their responsibilities for a beach time and hopes of getting laid. Allie, the less unlikable character, takes pride with her Peace Corps association but being unable to navigate in the streets of New York, there is a big question of the likelihood of her survival in war-torn Liberia. As much as she just tags along Harper, she is pushed around by everything that happens. Harper, the more stubborn one, seems to look at herself higher than everyone else. She is the typical mean girl, mocking other people for their sincere efforts and persuasions. But when she finds herself at the center of joke, she becomes defensive and impatient.
Their journey together has become a test of their character, as their insecurity and confusion becomes more apparent. Like their wasted $200 barrel or the expensive cab ride, they are simply narcissistic, showy and pretentious. It is evident in how Harper rolls her eyes at other people and how Allie is fond of giving fake compliments with fake smiles. As much as they lost in the streets, they are also unsure of what they want with their lives. And when they explode off against each other, it is a moment of truthfulness and kindness. As much as they are able to give pity to the kittens, they are also capable of empathy and affection for each other.
Technically, the film is decently edited, scored and photographed. There is not a dull moment as the two characters, with all their flaws and imperfections, are intriguing and watchable. Elliot and McNulty also have good rapport and delivery.
Despite its unlikable characters, Fort Tilden is an enjoyable film to watch. It is not because of how the leads stupidly stare and argue while a kid steals their bike. It is not because of how a store owner puts ice on hot coffee with her bare hands to make them "iced coffee" for the two heroines. And it is not also because of the topless scene in the end, where a quarter of girls let their bare breasts hang loose at the beach. But it is because of how the two leads, without realizing it, develop some kind of compassion and humanity.
Their journey together has become a test of their character, as their insecurity and confusion becomes more apparent. Like their wasted $200 barrel or the expensive cab ride, they are simply narcissistic, showy and pretentious. It is evident in how Harper rolls her eyes at other people and how Allie is fond of giving fake compliments with fake smiles. As much as they lost in the streets, they are also unsure of what they want with their lives. And when they explode off against each other, it is a moment of truthfulness and kindness. As much as they are able to give pity to the kittens, they are also capable of empathy and affection for each other.
Technically, the film is decently edited, scored and photographed. There is not a dull moment as the two characters, with all their flaws and imperfections, are intriguing and watchable. Elliot and McNulty also have good rapport and delivery.
Despite its unlikable characters, Fort Tilden is an enjoyable film to watch. It is not because of how the leads stupidly stare and argue while a kid steals their bike. It is not because of how a store owner puts ice on hot coffee with her bare hands to make them "iced coffee" for the two heroines. And it is not also because of the topless scene in the end, where a quarter of girls let their bare breasts hang loose at the beach. But it is because of how the two leads, without realizing it, develop some kind of compassion and humanity.