The Bob Zula Review
The Bob Zula is a 2020 feature film written and directed by Brandon Reich.
Elements of Judd Apatow and Richard Linklater all intertwine in this indie coming of age film that has moments of greatness that are just a bit few and far between throughout.
There is a good story here through everything, and one that has a lot of heart. The writing hits all the familiar beats we come to expect from a coming-of-age comedy. The story of three friends in their last year of high school, soon to go off to college is a good formation for a plot. However, there are some moments of jarring editing, blocking in shots that seem a bit off, and some sound issues that just take away from the overall viewing experience.
The moments where the film shine is in the places in between, the fishing at the creek, the skateboarding with friends, skipping school. These are the fun times we can relate to in our rebellious days of youth. It is just when the beats try to connect them in the plot it can just feel a little forced. While the writing is there and the written word is well managed the delivery in many of the scenes just can feel stiff at times.
Another spotlight of triumph that can be attributed to this film is the variety of locations shown throughout. The number of spots Reich and his team were able to lock in for the film is great and it really adds to the small-town charm of the piece.
There is a lot to enjoy about this film and a lot of good attention to detail with everything put together. It is just a film that is ultimately unable to find a true confident identity. As a written piece I see where it all works but in execution it is just not the cohesive film that it could be.
Brandon Reich has a good eye and obviously a lot of talent for story, locations, and some genuine tender moments. It will be exciting to see what kind of films he makes as he continues to push on in the world of film. This is a film that while not perfect still has some great pieces to it overall.
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You can watch the full film on demand here.
Cheers!
Daniel Hess
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