Cook review: Start summer fun early at ‘Snack Shack’
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Clever, full of the joy and pain of growing up, and full of wonderful performances, “Snack Shack” is one of the first additions to my best-of-the-year list.
Adam Rehmeier’s coming-of-age movie was filmed, and is set in, small-town Nebraska, so it will have a special appeal to those familiar with Midwestern values.
‘Snack Shack’ (IMDb)
The shy, thoughtful A. J. (Conor Sherry) and his hard-partying buddy Moose (Gabriel LaBelle, “The Fabelmans”) want to get through the summer with homemade beer, weed, get-rich-quick schemes, and, just maybe, the attention of some girls. They also want to avoid a couple of bullies who seem to be lurking everywhere they turn.
The Snack Shack is exactly what it says: A spot at the pool where kids of all ages gather every day now that school’s out.
Adding to other complications is the presence of a gorgeous, flirtatious girl who temporarily moves in next door to A. J. for the next few weeks. When Brooke (Mika Abdalla) catches the eyes of the best friends, we know trouble is brewing immediately.
I love the dialogue here, the awkwardness and the bravado of the two leads, as well as the other characters who make up the supportive and annoying forces in their young lives.
There’s a little bit of “Superbad” edginess in this film, along with the growing pains of movies like John Hughes’ “The Breakfast Club.”
The main characters are all talented young performers, some of whom most likely will become household names in the not-too-distant future. Sherry is a wonder who gives his character depth and sympathy, a kind of “everyteen” with whom just about any viewer can relate.
Add to this a soundtrack with a batch of great pop tunes such as EMF’s “Unbelievable.”
Why not start your summer a little early at the “Snack Shack?”
3 ½ stars
Rated: R for foul language, sexual situations, violence and drug abuse.
Running time: One hour and 52 minutes.
Watch the trailer here.
At Cinemark, Davenport.
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