Almost Kings - Lorenzo James Henrie

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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r

(aka "The Wheeler Boys" or "Touchback")

directed by Philip G. Flores
USA 2010

Amidst the glut of dark "coming of age" films, ALMOST KINGS is quite a refreshing experience as it exists in a world where the drinking, fighting, and "fuck this/fucking that" behavior is recognized as the posturing of the characters it is rather than in imitation of successful and influential prior works. The lives of brothers Ted (Lorenzo James Henrie, STAR TREK) and Truck Wheeler (Alex Frost, ELEPHANT) are undergoing some momentous changes. Young, highly-intelligent Ted is entering high school as a freshman while senior jock Truck is preparing for his future with pregnant girlfriend Lizzie (Portia Doubleday, YOUTH IN REVOLT) who is not looking forward to moving in with Ted, Truck, and their abusive, drunken paraplegic father Ron (Billy Campbell, BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA). Desperate to emulate his cool older brother, Ted wants to become one of "The Kings" the elite group to which Truck and his buddies belong. Among their recreational activities is a contest to nail as many members of the female student body (whose do-ability is rated beforehand in a copy of the yearbook), and Ted accepts the challenge despite his changing feelings for best friend Kallea (Haley Ramm, INTO THE WILD). He's up to the challenge of scoring several freshman girls for The Kings parties and , but there is a dark side to his increasing confidence and popularity as he soon discovers that belonging to The Kings is not all about fun and games.

Eric Cotenas

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DVD Review: Breaking Glass Pictures - Region 1 - NTSC

Big thanks to Eric Cotenas for the Review!

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Breaking Glass Pictures Region 1 - NTSC
Runtime	1:30:45
Video	2.40:1 Original Aspect Ratio 16X9 enhanced Average Bitrate: 7.61 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate
Audio	English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles	English (closed captioning only), none
Features	Release Information: Studio: Breaking Glass Pictures Aspect Ratio: Widescreen anamorphic - 2.40:1 Edition Details: • Audio Commentary with co-writer/director Philip G. Flores and actors Alex Russell, Haley Ramm, and Lorenzo James Henrie • Story and Characters (16:9; 6:58) • Casting and Working with Actors (16:9; 7:01) • Origins of ALMOST KINGS (16:9; 5:28) • Assembling the Crew (16:9; 2:54) • Netflix Competition Trailer (16:9; 2:35) • Photo Gallery • Trailer (16:9; 2:47) • Trailers for SCALENE, YOU'LL KNOW MY NAME, and THE CASSEROLE CLUB DVD Release Date: June 12th, 2012 Amaray Chapters 12

Comments

Breaking Glass' DVD seems true to the 35mm source, which can look quite stunning in the brightly lit desert exteriors and impenetrably black in the moody interiors of the protagonist's home. The Dolby Digital 5.1 track isn't a powerhouse track, it's nicely enveloping during the school and party scenes but also wisely recedes during intimate moments. English closed captions are provided (and useful for understanding some muttered dialogue as well as some under music when viewing the film downmixed to stereo).

The commentary is informative as well as anecdotal (because the young actors were fairly close in age to the characters they played, it sometimes seems as if they are laughing at their own youthful indiscretions). Among the information relayed, we learn that the character of the abusive father was a late addition to shed some light on the background of the protagonists. A handful of short behind-the-scenes featurettes are included as well as the original Netflix "Find Your Voice" competition trailer.

- Eric Cotenas

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