FROM LOCKERGNOME ONLINE MEDIA NEWS & REVIEWS

Chillicothe (R) 1999
Slacker - 93min
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Special DVD Features worth a look-Director/Actor Commentary

If your college years never involved using Compact Discs as currency, you may have a little trouble catching all of the references in this fine film. Notwithstanding the occasional poorly delivered line and self-indulgent directorial flourish, Chillicothe is guerilla filmmaking at its finest. Unlike others of the slacker genre, Chillicothe spins a new twist on the tired tale of twenty-somethings searching for answers. The basic plot line follows Wade Hinkle, struggling/slacker artist, too wise for the piecework position in life in which he finds himself after college. Wade, keenly aware life is all about moving from Point A to Point B, cannot seem to get a handle on what Point B is for him. As his similarly situated slacker friends move toward their own goals of marriage, children and jobs that pay in cash, rather than barter, Wade becomes increasingly disillusioned with his life. He loves his friends, but seeing how smoothly his friends transition toward archetype grown-ups only exacerbates Wade's self-pity; he knows these goals are not for him. Wade begins to recognize that not only is he no closer to defining Point B, he is moving farther and farther away from his goal. What sets this film apart from its contemporaries is Director Todd Edwards' singular vision. Edwards is savvy enough to solicit content from his crew/cast, especially when recreating events that actually took place amongst this group of real-life friends. Unlike with most major motion pictures, however, these inputs do not detract from, or swallow the story. Edwards is honest and confident enough in his craft, to prevent anyone else's vision from adulterating his own. Of course, on a shoestring budget, it does not hurt to have a great cinematographer (Brett Reynolds) a stellar supporting cast (Katie Hooten and Brad Knull) and an entertaining storyline that coalesce into more than the sum of their collective parts. The result is a crisp flick, maintaining continuity between credit rolls. Do not get me wrong; Chillicothe is still a slacker film at heart, finely peppered with pop culture and fine-edged angst. The difference is that this story does not get lost amidst sophomoric jokes and corny cliches. This film is honest and entertaining. And you know, that is enough.

Review by Brett Trout
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