"Only the Young" - 2012

"Only the Young" - An Honest Look at Growing Up

     I won tickets to Only the Young and was excited to see it because I had heard very good things about it. People were saying it was the most honest depiction of teen angst since the films of John Hughes. I am a big John Hughes fan, so I had high expectations going into this movie. At first, these expectations were not lived up to, but I gave myself a few days to think about it without the preconceived notions I had. What came through those days was a film that is definitely a fine coming of age movie.

    This film is a documentary, which I had not mentioned. Throughout the film I kept forgetting it was a documentary though, because the structure and the cinematography were very much like a narrative film. There were many times where I found myself thinking "Whoa! That shot is awesome." Or "How did they get that?!" The documentarians must have been everywhere at once, considering all the possible angles they could tell the story from, because the coverage of the scenes in this movie is AWESOME. (I'll attach a trailer at the end of this review so you can see a sample of some of what I'm talking about.) I can't praise the style and beautiful imagery in this film enough. There is a misconception that documentaries aren't visually striking and I'm so glad that documentarians these days are challenging that. 

     The film is set in California where we meet Skye, Garrison, and Kevin. Kevin and Garrison are best friends, and skateboarders. They are active members in their church and even are apart of a youth ministry targeted towards skaters. Skye and Garrison do date for a while, but later just become friends. The relationships of the three change and evolve over time and we also get to see their relationships with others. We get to see iconic moments in teenage life; like getting your first car and how it changes everything, first dates, special memories and trips with friends, and even graduation. The teens also find themselves in situations way beyond their years, especially Skye.

     So, I do have some complaints. I felt that some of the more poignant moments in the film were sort of shied away from. There were moments where we caught real insight into the lives of these kids and the troubles they were experiencing, but the filmmakers let it go too soon. I'm not saying they have to beat us over the head with it, just hold on it a second or two longer! I want to have a satisfying look at the real intimacy they had with their subjects (which can only come from spending an extended amount of time with them). Not all touching moments were like this, just in the first half of the movie it seemed. 

     Also, the ending left too many questions unanswered. I want to know more about what happens to the kids!!! I know in real life, you never know what is going to happen next, and I think it was a conscious choice on the filmmakers part to leave it open-ended, but I became so involved with the three teens that I wanted to know everything. I guess that is just the maternal-ness in me. I want to know what happens to my kids as they spread their wings. (wow, that was cheesy)

     Overall, I did enjoy this movie and think it deals very honestly with teens, showing them as people with real problems, and also with problems that seem big to them at that moment, but that will probably not be as big of a deal in the future. The film never condescends or treats the characters with disrespect. That is the thing I think I like most about the film. My rating for this film: 6/10. I enjoyed it, but I don't think I would see it again. I'm glad I saw it, and would lightly recommend it to others if they are in the mood for a heart-warmy teen documentary.

That is all.

P.S.  THE TRAILER AS PROMISED.