Answer This!

Answer This! is a charming tale of academia, trivia, and self-exploration. Released in 2011 and directed by Christopher Farah, the film stars Christopher Gorham, Arielle Kebbel, and Nelson Franklin building a fun, intriguing storyline that weaves together the realms of higher education and the competitive world of pub trivia.

Christopher Gorham masterfully portrays the main character, Paul Tarson, a graduate student at the University of Michigan. Endlessly quoting passages of literature, Paul is a man of letters in the purest sense. He moves seamlessly through his academic life, continuing a legacy started by his father (played by Ralph Williams), a renowned professor at the university. However, his seemingly perfect life starts to unfold when he is faced with the arduous task of finishing his dissertation.

Paul's world is quickly turned upside down during the course of the movie. His plans for a smooth, unruffled life come crashing down when his professor-advisor presents him with an ultimatum, pitting his passion for academics against the competition for a prestigious tenure track.

Parallel to this academic drama is Paul's participation in the local pub trivia with his university buddies, James (Nelson Franklin), and Izzy (Evan Jones). Their affinity for trivia comes off as a spanner in the works of their scholastic lives, but it quickly grows into a central theme for the movie.

Arielle Kebbel features prominently in the movie, playing the role of Naomi, an estranged girl with a deep sense of mystery who eventually cross paths with Paul. Naomi brings in a breath of fresh air, edging Paul towards a life beyond the confines of his scholastic bubble. She introduces him to an outside world, filled with uncertainties and spontaneity, starkly opposite to his meticulously planned life.

Answer This! presents an enjoyable contrast between the academic rigidity of the University of Michigan and the boisterous world of a pub trivia competition. It's a journey that plays along Paul's struggles to juggle his responsibilities, his passions, and his life's path.

Paul's character dares to question the axiom of traditional success, wrestling between the pursuit of an esteemed academic career and the allure of an unpredictable life. The overarching theme of the movie then urges the audience to reconsider their own version of success, pushing them to question – what if there's more to life than the traditional path?

The on-screen chemistry between the characters is tangibly relatable. Their interactions strike a balance between humor and depth, revealing complexities of their personalities through their dynamic relationships.

The portrayal of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is also a significant character in this film. Farah uses the setting to build a realistic backdrop for the story, steeped in the idiosyncrasies of a college town. It enhances the realistic touch of the movie, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced life in such a town.

Overall, Answer This! is a splendid curation of academic drama, trivia-filled humor, and, more importantly, self-discovery. It will make you question, make you laugh, and perhaps inspire a warm rekindling of your own dreams.

As the action pushes forward, audiences can't help but be intrigued by the storyline that deftly moves from the world of academia to the hectic trivia stage. The film becomes an examination of not just raw knowledge but know-how, showcasing the benefits of stepping out of the comfort zone and embracing uncertainty and adversity.

The film's distinctive charm lies in its clever blend of comedy and drama, intellectual pursuits and popular culture, self-doubt and bravery. Through these dichotomies, the film presents a heartfelt tale of a man's journey to understand his passions and potential.

Christopher Gorham’s compelling performance brings a likable, thoughtful, and ultimately relatable character to life in Paul. Together with a solid supporting cast, Answer This! transforms from a mere trivia-centered adventure into a discourse on life, ambition, and the courage to change.

In summary, Answer This! is an engaging, thought-provoking film that successfully tackles the exploration of personal identity and the pursuit of purpose amidst life’s demanding trivia. It's much more than a simple story about a trivia competition; it's an exploration of the pressures and pleasures of real life.