The Battle of Shaker Heights (2003)

 The Battle of Shaker Heights - For Lovers of Independent Film Making and Acting
The Battle of Shaker Heights

I have never watched Project Greenlight. There I said it. I happened upon this movie and I'm glad I did. To me it's only of minor importance how this movie was funded and made, because the end product matters most. And the end product is much better than many would lead you to believe. You just have to know what kind of movie watcher you are. If you love independent films and don't mind slow and nuanced acting and a story with no cheap thrills, you can enjoy this. If you like more traditional movie experiences, you might find this treatment a bit slow.

Shia LaBoeuf shows why he is the "next big thing" of his generation in a very subtle and impressive portrayal of the main character. As Kelly he's an extremely over-intelligent high school kid who channels his brain power into nerdy pursuits like World War II history and military memorablia. Elden Henson is Bart, his fast friend from the better-off side of town. When he meets Bart's older sister Tabby, he develops a crush for a girl way out of his league, something every boy in high school is familiar with.

All the while, he works at the supermarket with Sarah, played well by Shiri Appleby, who would have clearly been an easier target for him. All of these relationships are a back drop to the frustration we see Kelly experience from his family life, with a father battling his demons and a mother fighting to hold it together.

William Sadler and Ray Wise round out what really is an all star cast. And even though the slow is made in a slow and deliberate way, the cast of this movie is really one of the treats. They all perform exceptionally well, even in parts that are written sparsely.

I think they definitely captured the angst of high school in a way that was honest and real. These are not typical kids, but that makes it all the more easy to understand why a character like Kelly might not fit in and might act out. Sure they could have fleshed this one out more, but I guess all those Damon and Affleck connections helped to cast this one well enough to more than make up for it.

If you enjoy slow and introspective independent films, or are a fan of Shia LaBoeuf, you will find lots to like in this movie.

Enjoy!
May 1, 2008

 Real
This movie is pretty real comparatively to other movie involving teens, despite the war reenacting. It's no wonder Shia LaBeouf is going to be a Super-Star A-lister. February 20, 2008

 Great Coming Of Age Story
This film will appeal to the whole family. Don't be fooled by the cover, if you are an Amy Smart fan. Her role, while important, is not what the cover implies. The entire cast works well in this story of a 17 year old's journey to adulthood and the responsibilities it entails. January 8, 2008

 How could people like this movie?
I was reading reviews for this movie and noticed that people thought this had potential to be a great film and some complimented it. I loved the series (PGL2) that went with this movie but like the first season of the show I couldn't figure out why they chose the script and directors they chose. This seemed like a bad choice for a script and how could anyone choose Kyle and Efrem(sic?) after seeing that amazing crucifix film by contestant Joe Otting? Throughout the first two seasons I couldn't understand the final decisions made by Chris, Matt, Ben and the others. I loved project greenlight but I can't see how anyone would actually think this movie is any good at all. October 1, 2007

 I don't see why other people don't like it
I bought this movie to see what the fuss was about. I was shocked! This movie was amazing. I found it very funny. Maybe because I'm still young and feel the way the characters do in the movie. I was laughing out loud almost every minute. I wouldn't watch the project greenlight process of making the movie, I heard that ruins it for you. This movie is definitely one of my favorites. April 1, 2007

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