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watsupjeff
Reviews
Trailer Park Jesus (2012)
Thoroughly entertaining, hilarious, and even a bit profound
From the outset, this indie film captures the viewer's attention, and doesn't let it go until the credits roll. Full of quirky twists and turns, the plot is compelling and original. Even the special effects, though obviously working within a limited budget, are well done and add a lot to the "trippy" feel of the flick. Though there is definitely some "porn-quality" acting every once in awhile, as a whole the acting is mature, believable, and interesting. The occasional flat, uninspired delivery is more than made up for by the strong performance of the leads,and is certainly forgivable, understandable, and not without precedent(think of Kevin Smith's early films). Tipping its hat to "Easy Rider"explicitly several times in the dialogue, the film also does so thematically, playing with the creative and sometimes dangerous clash that happens when one segment of society comes into contact with another. Though the film is a comedy (and a funny one), there is also a not-so-funny visual treatment of life in poverty-stricken rural America, and one walks away from the film with a better understanding of what it might be like to grow up in an American subculture where watching dogs hump is the only entertainment available, and where violence and lack of education are the norm. Having a good time playing with stereotypes, the film also helps the viewer move beyond them, making sympathetic characters out of individuals who started out as one-dimensional and easy to dismiss. Well worth the 90 minutes!