Review of Palo Alto (2014) by Troy L — 18 Jun 2014

Does showing vapid teenagers make a film itself vapid? I tend to think far from it. Perhaps Korine's spring breakers was not the best of examples (but an example none-the-less). I think Palo Alto does a better job.

Why? well other films feel the need for us to imagine a psychedlic neon flaming lips meets dubstep rave world, they want us to understand a hedonistic utopia in order to understand modern-day adolescence.

This film makes it so understand both the pros and cons (yes surprisingly there are pros) of suburbanite teeenagers in a much more realistic way. Many shots through out the film made me think, that could really be happening in any town anywhere.

Even the affair with Mr. B was not outrageous. It is one of the most realistic portrayals of high school life that I have seen in awhile. The cinematography was also quite nice,the juxtaposition of the momentos in the childhood bedrooms during the sexual scenes were almost beautifully cringeworthy.

This was a solid film, especially from a newcomer director.