Weird, wild and whimsical the musical drama Bang Bang Baby has a fine cast, good direction and a story too inconceivable to be nothing but science fiction. Played out and filmed like it could be taking place on a stage with many sets, the film’s presentation reminds me a lot of the madcap Little Shop of Horrors. The 60’s rock music also adds some nostalgia as part of the enjoyment. Now available on all major VOD platforms.
The story opens in the early 1960’s small town of Lonely Arms, Canada where teen high school student Stepphy (Jane Levy) has her heart set on becoming a famous singer. She even dreams one day of acting in a movie opposite crooner Bobby Shore (Justin Chatwin) her teenage heartthrob. With the American Ingénue Talent Competition not far off she gets fellow student Bennett (Stephen Joffe) to record her voice for submission into the contest. When Bobby Shore shows up in the small town with his manager looking to get their car fixed, Stepphy thinks up a plan that may get her on the road to her dream.
But, there’s many obstacles in Stepphy’s way including her father George (Peter Stormare) an alcoholic who depends on her, Fabian (David Reale) a fellow student who’s madly in love with her and a manufacturing plant that has been emitting a purple mist. Director Jeffrey St. Jules works with his cast well creating memorable characters, using a lot of green screen sets to keep his costs low, and using a lot of campy dialogue of the 60’s to create comedic overtones. He wisely co-writes the two main songs featured in the film so it ties in with the storyline and making the production creative.
His actors carry the film very well with Jane Levy (Evil Dead), Justin Chatwin (“Shameless”) and Peter Stormare (Fargo) in roles of the main characters. Jane makes a very good Stepphy who’s bored with her life in the small town of Lonely Arms. She has a good voice and fits the role of a young singer on the rise. Although Stepphy has longed to get away she’s bound by her alcoholic father who needs her more than she needs a dead-end life.
As the actor singer who has become the heartthrob of millions of teenage girls, Justin gives the perfect 1960’s performance. Worried about how he looks more than the girls who would love a chance to touch him, he makes Bobby Shore an iconic character oblivious of what’s going on around him. He has very good chemistry with Jane Levy throughout the film and especially the moment the two find themselves mysteriously attracted to each other.
Known for being the bad guy in a good many of his films, Peter Stormare takes on the role of the heavy in Bang Bang Baby. As George an alcoholic for most of his life, he needs Stepphy to take care of him holding her back from her dreams. He’s also weary of the entertainment business and protects his daughter from those who may want to get her into the smarmy business. With over 160 credits to his career, Stormare has been the consummate go to guy when you want a strong willed character.
Bang Bang Baby has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains language, sexual connotations and creatively weird images. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have some scenes that are inappropriate for adolescents.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good indie with a fine cast and filming technique. (B)
Bang Bang Baby will be available across the United States on all major VOD platforms including: iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, InDemand, Comcast, Direct TV, Dish & more
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Jane Levy, Justin Chatwin, Peter Stormare, David Reale, Stephen Joffe
Directed and written by: Jeffrey St. Jules
Genre: Sci-fi, Comedy, Drama, Musical
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, Language, Disturbing Images
Running Time: 1 hr. 30 min.
Release Date: November 10, 2015
Distributed by: Random Media
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
