Surfer-3 Reviews

The Chocolate War (1988)

Adolescence perfectly captured on film...

[26 March 2001]

This comically dark but heartfelt adaptation of the novel of rebellion is like Dead Poets Society without the "poor me" ending. The soundtrack (Peter Gabriel/ Yaz/ Kate Bush) eclipses any John Hughes movie collection and lifts some scenes that are a little rough around the edges, budgetarily-speaking (this was a real, pre-Sundance indie film). Keith Gordon's debut feature is an ode to the pain of puberty, fitting in, finding a sense of self, and all those other things that twisted your stomach in a knot in high school. Low budget with big emotions and some brutally funny, painful, and original

Sparkler (1997)

Great performances in an original, funny, & touching film.

[10/10 · 29 September 1998]

Good balance of older character actresses shining alongside some of Hollywood's rising young male stars. This comedy/drama will appeal to arthouse audiences as well as the "Scream" crowd who get to see their pin-up boys (Jamie Kennedy, Freddie Prinze Jr.) shine in roles with a little more meat than their slasher flick appearances have allowed. Park Overall and Veronica Cartwright are phenomenal (Cartwright's two years of Emmy nominations in '97 & '98 are no fluke - she can do anything). Very good movie that will appeal to all types.