two thumbs up

It is not often that I get to review a motion picture. Today I had the opportunity to watch “Pottsville And the Top 5.” and do a review for the beansoup blog. Why? Because I run the blog. its cold outside and there is nothing else to write about.
The film was recommended to me by a poster on the green screen. It was being hyped as an urban docudrama that everyone must see. I fell for hype before. Lots of times. Even this Christmas I went out and sold my blood just so I could buy my grandkids some zu zu pets. Then there were the hyped films. The Blair Witch Project. The Forty Year Old Virgin. American Pie. Knocked Up. All films that I was told I must see before I die. All of these were disappointments.

Would “Pottsville And the Top 5” also let me down? Not by a long shot. After having screened a VHS bootleg copy acquired at a local flea market I was utterly surprised by the film and I love it. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me sneeze. I felt moved in a way that rarely happens to me. I think the last time was when I watched Sean Connery in “The Molly Maguires.” And that was back in the late 60s at the Hollywood Theatre.

This movie certainly lived up to all of the hype, the hoop-la, and the brou-ha-ha (not necessarily in that order). The opening sequence really packed a punch and had me glued to my seat in anticipation. The script is excellent. The film seemed so real to me and it challenged me to think beyond what had been told to me by the well-cast actor, presumably playing himself. He is convincingly naturalistic, and actually likeable. Zaq Powers' method acting is simple, straight-forward, raw and powerful. Todd Todderson’s direction and cinematography are masterful. A new Fellini is now walking among us. He not only showed the beauty of the city and the surrounding area, but the film speaks about the people that reside in it.
One of the great strengths of the film is the editing. There is never a dull moment. You never know where the action will be taking place next, which does much to heighten the tension. It is beautiful, deep, adventurous, sad, and funny. I applaud the film-makers of Noleyone Productions for creating a hit out of a simple idea and handled so awesomely well.

What a concept. It is the philosophical, spawling journey of an energetic young man looking for freedom and adventure in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. This main character is searching for his own version of the American Dream. Will he find it? I won't spoil the ending for you.
This existental film was actually shot on location in the Schuylkill County seat on a limited budget, enticed here by the generous tax breaks offered by the city to filmmakers. To be honest though, one hilarious Borat-like scene was filmed in nearby North Manheim Township.
What the filmmakers managed to do with what they had is not only revolutionary, but also inspirational to other aspiring film makers throughout the southern anthracite coalfields. The gripping film reminded me of the naivete of youth and the way the young view the world. The diner scene was reminiscent of the Nicholson movie “Five Easy Pieces” and I assume that is where the Five comes from in the title.

Overall it is a moving and thought-provoking masterpiece despite the fact that the film omitted several well-known locations in the city, the soundtrack was somewhat loud and the script occasionally crossed the line between character development and character worship. The omission of the mysterious Spa 61 employees was the biggest letdown for me. This film is destined to become some kind of classic – an Easy Rider for the X, Y, and Z Generations (not necessarily in that order) – it defines the road film genre. It is a brilliant piece of arthouse experimental film-making.

(film is rated PG-13. No violence; no foul language; implied sexual reference; no drug use; may be offensive to women who do laundry).