Pitching Tents

Pitching Tents, directed by Jacob Cooney and released in 2017, is an American comedy-drama that sparks nostalgia for the coming-of-age narratives typically set in the '80s. A rich tapestry of humour, teenage confusion, and friendship, the movie showcases the trials and tribulations of adolescence with a touch of raucous teenage antics on the side.

The story revolves around the protagonist, Danny Whitaker, portrayed by the talented Michael Grant, who beautifully channels the struggles of a typical suburban teenager seeking a path beyond high school. Trapped in a middle-class family living in a small town, Danny is at the crossroads of his life. He is being pressurized by his father to choose a sensible profession, while his school is pushing him towards applying to colleges. Danny, however, dreams of discovering a path less trodden – to make it big as an artist.

Torn between the sturdy, safe, and stable shell that his family and school offer and the rebellious ambiguity of pursuing an art career, Danny finds himself at odds with his surroundings. The result is a compelling array of scenes that illustrate the dilemma of a young adult in an era when toeing the line was often the easiest route.

Jim Norton's contribution as Lenny, the custodian of a mystic piece of land, is another highlight of this film. Danny and his gang accidentally discover a map that leads them to Lenny's turf, named "The Goddess." Here, Lenny offers them an opportunity to experience a life-changing journey – a glimpse of their future. While Lenny brings a quirky playfulness to the movie, his character also represents a guide to the expansive horizons that lie beyond their small town.

Booboo Stewart, famous for his role in the Twilight Saga, structure an entirely different personality in Pitching Tents. Stewart breathes life into Todd, a hard-partying youth who is also a part of Danny's friend circle. In the film, his reckless lifestyle is juxtaposed with the sober and purpose-driven life that Danny aspires to. However, in their friendship, viewers can observe their shared susceptibility to fear of the future.

The ensemble cast has impressively delivered heartfelt performances, infusing energy, and authentic emotions into Pitching Tents. To make this movie even more relatable, the filmmakers put a spotlight on the quintessential elements of an 80s teenage world, like classic rock music, retro fashion, and elements of social culture, which lend Pitching Tents its unique texture. At its core, the movie tells a story of growth and self-discovery, peppered with moments of innocent, teenage humor that remind us of the brevity of our high school years.

Cooney's direction masterfully encapsulates multiple epiphanies that the characters experience in the course of the narrative. Furthermore, the film celebrates the joys and heartaches of growing up while accentuating the beauty of youthful rebellion and the relentless pursuit of dreams, stealthily wrapped in the garb of comedy.

The ebbs and flows of emotions in Pitching Tents ensure a connection with every viewer who has gone through these life-altering contemplations and decisions. The wide spectrum of emotions that Michael Grant's character navigates is relatable and touches a universal chord. Jim Norton's character adds the element of magical realism in this otherwise conventional coming-of-age narrative while Booboo Stewart provides viewers with moments of light-hearted and somewhat misguided frivolity.

All in all, Pitching Tents is a portal that transports viewers back into the peculiar world of adolescence that transcends geographical boundaries — a world characterized by notions of invincibility, fearlessness, and the exhilarating frenzy that comes with youth. It's a perfect watch for those who delight in narratives of exploration, discovery, resilience, and the ability to choose one's own path despite the odds.