SXSW 2012 film review
Booster
Director & Screenwriter: Matt Ruskin When Simon’s brother is arrested for armed robbery, he is asked to commit a string of similar crimes in an attempt to get his brother acquitted. Cast: Nico Stone, Adam DuPaul, Seymour Cassel, Kristin Dougherty, Brian McGrail (World Premiere)
Film Synopsis (from SXSW.com)
WHO'S IT FOR? Another Boston crime drama movie, but this one is nicely on the smaller scale.
OVERALL
It's surprising to learn this is Stone's first acting gig. It doesn't feel that way. While this is a smaller film (not many chases, explosions, big-name actors, etc.) everyone does a very nice job in this film.
Simon is a booster. He's good at his job. If you're not aware what a booster is, he shop lifts. That's his livelihood and I was immediately hooked. Why? Because he's got talent. I would have no clue how to get the security tags off of clothing. Simon does. Look, I know it's a crime, but I can appreciate any character who has a talent and uses it well. Simon also has heart, that's shown with how he takes care of his grandmother. The same can't be said for his brother and that's where the drama (and most of the crime) comes in to Booster.
Booster could be the little cousin to Ben Affleck's The Town. Sure someone should make a lovely tribute to Boston that doesn't involve breaking the law, but until that day comes, keep the dark characters coming. I'm not giving anything away with what I'm about to say, but you'll understand what I mean. Most movies will bring up a bank robbery, someone will hem and haw for a couple of seconds, and then they'll rob the bank. That's what characters do. Not here though. Simon realizes boosting a shirt, or makeup is a completely different world than what his brother is capable of. Once Simon is called upon, it's a journey you will feel. Booster is a job well done.
FINAL SCORE: 7/10