We Are the Hartmans

We Are the Hartmans is a rock-n-roll infused comedy-drama that premiered on the independent circuit in 2011. It features a unique ensemble cast, including famed actors like Ben Curtis, Jennifer Restivo, and Richard Chamberlain, who each bring their unique talent to bear on an engaging narrative. Director Laura Newman presents us with a poignant, funny, and often rousing film that touches on relatable issues such as small business survival, community spirit, and the fight against corporate America.

The story is centered around the Hartmans, a colorful family who owns a local rock club in a small suburban community. This beloved local establishment serves as a hub for an eclectic mix of personalities, from misfit teens to eccentric old-timers who come together to embrace camaraderie, creativity - and invariably - some good rock and roll. It's a sanctuary of sorts, a place that fosters a sense of belonging in an otherwise monotonous suburban sprawl.

Enter Richard Chamberlain, who plays Hartman, the owner of the prized tavern and the patriarch of the eponymous Hartman family. His bravura performance illuminates the character, making Hartman is as unpredictable and enigmatic as he is warm and charismatic. He is a champion for his community and a stalwart defender of his struggling small business amidst an onrushing wave of corporate expansion.

However, when Hartman finds himself hospitalized, his imminent absence sends shockwaves through the tight-knit community. This unexpected development triggers a chain of events that puts the future of the rock club in jeopardy. Fearing that it is on the brink of being swallowed up by a cold, corporate behemoth, the patrons unite to prevent this from happening. At the heart of this rebellion is Ben Curtis' character, a regular at the club and someone whose world is deeply rooted in the Hartman's Rock Club ecosystem. Jennifer Restivo, another regular, similarly throws herself into the fight for the club.

The forces of a society eager to commercialize everything and the heartfelt quest by the club regulars to preserve their haven provide fertile ground for a rich narrative. It is through this struggle that the movie explores the wider theme of how society's fast-paced advance often comes at the expense of local charm, resulting in the demise of traditional, personable business establishments that are, for many, an essence of home.

We Are the Hartmans beautifully balances mirthful moments with deep-rooted societal issues. Curtis and Restivo’s performances are amongst the movie's highlights, imbuing their characters with a combination of youthful energy, desperate defiance, and the odd-ball charm that makes them instantly likeable. Chamberlain, superbly channeling a mix of offbeat charisma and fatherly warmth, serves as the nucleus that makes the Hartmans not only relatable but impossibly endearing. The supporting cast brings to life the other patrons, creating a quirky community that is fun to observe and easy to root for.

At its heart, We Are the Hartmans is a love letter to the dying breed of community cornerstones that once defined America's social landscape. Characters, fueled by nostalgia, love, and sometimes desperation, rise in a David versus Goliath battle that is both rousing and heart-wrenching. Quintessential moments of comedy blend seamlessly with the more profound messages the movie is trying to impart, resulting in a film experience not easily forgotten.

Through glamorous rock-n-roll renditions, one-on-one battles peppered with dry humor, and moments that tug at your heartstrings, We Are The Hartmans offers a slice of life that is becoming increasingly rare in American storytelling. It celebrates unity in the face of adversity, underlining the fact that community spirit and character can sometimes triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds.

Laura Newman has created a uniquely compelling story with We Are the Hartmans, striking a masterful balance between comedy, drama, and social commentary. Whether you are a music lover, a champion of small businesses, or just someone who appreciates good storytelling, this film is likely to leave an impactful resonance.