Small Time

Small Time is a heartwarming and emotional film that exploits the medium of storytelling at its best to capture the nuances of life, relationships, and fatherhood. The 2014 movie, directed and written by 24's Joel Surnow, is a cinematic treat that boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Christopher Meloni, Devon Bostick, and Dean Norris.

This slice-of-life film primarily revolves around the lives of two used-car salesmen and their intricate dealer world in suburban Los Angeles. Christopher Meloni, known for his robust performances in crime dramas, brings a remarkably different character to life. He plays Al Klein, an honest and hardworking used-car salesman, who co-owns a dealership with his larger-than-life, wisecracking friend, Ash Martini, played convincingly by Dean Norris, known for his role in Breaking Bad.

The narrative diligently captures the mechanics of their friendship and business partnership. While their energetic banter and camaraderie form an integral part of the storytelling, the crux of the film lies elsewhere. It's in Al's relationship with his teenage son, Freddy Klein, a bright boy played with sensitivity by Devon Bostick.

Al is divorced from his wife Barbara, and his relationship with his son Freddy has been suffering due to their lack of spending time together. The story begins to unfold when Freddy decides to forego his academic ambitions and ditch college to follow in his father's footsteps and join the used-car sales business. Barbara, completely against this idea, tries to reason with Al to convince Freddy not to make this life-changing decision.

Small Time is not just about car sales; it magnificently delves into the often neglected aspect of teenage rebellion and the plethora of emotions that follow, offering a unique perspective of father-son relations. It reflects on how work becomes the defining aspect of relationships and how sometimes it's perceived as the only way a father and a son can bond.

While the movie periodically delves into the intricacies of used-car sales business with just the right amount of humor, it primarily focuses on the nuanced relationship between Al and Freddy. The auto dealership serves as an evocative backdrop to the evolving father-son relationship, exploring the severity, love, integrity, and complexities that come along.

Meloni's portrayal of Al Klein is soulful. He skillfully portrays a man caught between enjoying newfound companionship with his son and the fear of him leading a life void of better opportunities. On the other hand, Bostick's portrayal of Freddy is equally emotive. An enthusiastic teenager eager to be a part of his father's world, yet entangled in the process of coming to terms with his own life's choices and their bearing on his future.

Similarly, Dean Norris brilliantly brings Ash Martini to life, providing comic relief and lending an added dimension to the narrative with his all-knowing demeanor, falling perfectly into the tradition of the “wise friend.”

Despite exploring a simple domestic tale centered around a used-car dealership, Small Time emanates a sense of grandeur, effortlessly refining the common and the ordinary into the extraordinary. It beautifully encapsulates the struggles of fatherhood, the tug of war between personal emotions and professional responsibilities, sacrifices, and compromises. It's about making choices, facing consequences, and the inevitable part of growing pains.

What works for Small Time is the straightforward storytelling without oversized drama or conflicts. It is a quiet film that shows life as is with its small victories, broken dreams, relationships, compromises, and love. The film has been successful in blending comic moments with deep, sensitive themes. It takes you on a journey filled with love, humor, understanding, and reconciliation.

In conclusion, Small Time is a warm and subtly powerful film that resonates with the audience due to its intelligent writing, commendable performances, and a genuine heart towards the complexities of life and relationships. The film finds its strength in its simplicity, reminding us that sometimes, it's not the magnitude of the situation, but the intricacies and subtleties within them that shape life's most important lessons.