American Chilly

directed by:
Richard Heene
written by:
Richard Heene
genre:
Comedy

The biggest problem with Richard Keen's film, "American Chilly" is that it isn't really a film at all. Not in the traditional sense. It's a stage play, rock show rolled into one. Now, there is a plot involving a curse. But it serves more as a device allowing this young troupe of performers to rock their hearts out, and a way to realize a very interesting delivery process. "American Chilly" is a somewhat interactive show. And it's a really cool idea. Of that there's no question. For the people involved and present during the production, this would have been a very unique experience. Of that, I am sure. As a standalone film for viewers such as myself, it was one hot mess that features absolutely nothing cinematic - in the traditional sense of the word. The fact that it clocks in at a whopping two hours is just crazy. Two hours of watching a filmed stage production is tough. This isn't a massive two hundred thousand dollar show by your favorite artist. It's a glorified performance akin to the recital of your child. And it feels much longer.
With all that said, there is oodles of talent here. Obviously, fans of hard rock and metal are going to greatly appreciate the music much more than a polka loving granny. I know I did. But again, back to the initial problem... this isn't a movie. I can also attest that yes, the amount of work that must have went into this is a staggering thought. But again, that doesn't make "American Chilly" a film - or even a series of some sort. I can imagine a large audience of friends and family during the show. Proud as hell and rightfully so. Again, nobody could question the talent here. But again, as I'm sure you can guess what my next line is, this is not a film.

I'm going to skip the majority of my usual technical babble. This is a stage production. There are a few cameras scattered around that capture the darkened, sometimes grainy footage. Think about the last time you filmed your kid at their school, on stage, and you'll get the idea. As for the choreography? There was some attempt. There is a stage and props and a screen, but mostly these guys are just bumbling around playing their hearts out. Like one would expect from a rock show put together and performed by teens. There are some jokes within the various sketches in between songs, and they are hit and miss. The closest thing to an actual movie here, are the occasional full screen switches to things like news broadcasts and such.
At the end of the day, I'm not sure what more I can write about this production. It's exactly what you suspect it is. A high school production that has been filmed. Yes. There is talent and yes there is energy. But no. This is not a movie. I expect the family and friends, especially those who were present for the performance, will and should watch and support this film. At least they could use it to relive the memory of the show itself, which looks like it would have been a blast to be present for. As for the random viewers like myself? Not so much fun. But hey. The idea itself was great. The talent is obvious. If that's enough than by all means, indulge yourself.