Title: Skills Like This (2009)Starring: Spencer Berger, Kerry Knuppe, Brian D. Phelan
Directed By: Monty Miranda
The strength of many "indie" films is often their performances. It's hard to overlook a movie, even if it has $0 advertising budget, when the performances are top-notch. Early reviews start raving about a particular actor or actress and eventually it becomes the "oh I have to see it because so-and-so is supposed to be really good in it" movie. For this movie, Spencer Berger (who also co-wrote) is "that guy".
The film centers on lovable loser Max and his friends and family. Max isn't very good at his job. In fact, Max can't think of a single thing that he is good at. During a particluarly nerdy (yay!) casual conversation with his buddies at their usual lunchtime hangout, robbing the bank across the street comes up. Without warning, Max decides that this is what he'd be good at, robbing banks. So he does. And he's right, he's good at it. From there we get a better look at his relationships with his friends and family and how this radical decision effects them all. We also get to watch the progression of Max's budding romance with Lucy, the teller he robbed.
The characters here aren't necessarily the most original or creative group of people to spend a few days with, but they certainly aren't the most boring either. We watch as all that Max knew of himself is tested and we see the reactions of those dearest to him. And at the middle of it all, holding it all together, is the unflappable performance of Spencer Berger. Similar to Sharlto Copely in last year's District 9, you will want to see more from this guy. And hopefully he'll get a chance to keep writing so he plays to his own strengths as an actor, because I have the feeling this was more of a warm-up then the actual at-bat.
Recommended.
Score: 7/10
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