Shot in the aspect ratio of standard definition to be period appropriate and using what looks like 16 mm film, Mid90s is a snapshot portrait of an 12-year-old-ish boy (enduring abuse at home) who finds family in a group of older teen skateboarders.

It's a rather gritty, perhaps even bleak, slice of life with many hard hits. The scrapes and bruises are part of the growing up process where finding belonging and a passion are the prime goals. I'm glad I saw it, but I can't say I felt entertained. While the young actors are both very good on the boards and pretty good with their acting chops, the production itself could be rickety at times.

I screened Mid 90s based on the Jonah Hill writer/director credit. Jonah Hill (who does not appear in this film) has a refreshingly powerful screen presence and wonderful comedic timing. Assuming the film is even a little bit autobiographical, it definitely seems to reveal the origins of Hill's balls-out approach to performance.

-- Books by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony --