Bart Got a Room (US)

Fun from start to end. Going in I assumed Bart was the main character - that's not the case. Here's the setup: guy is reaching that special time in his life where he must survive the coming of age ritual of choosing his prom date. In doing multiple factors must be considered about one's date. A partial list includes:

• What will my friends think?
• Will they be fun to hang out with?
• Will they look good in the prom photo?
• Will I get laid?

He's got the first three aced from the start with the default plan to go with his platonic best friend. It seems to be the fourth one that's giving him trouble. So as in the tradition of all movie guys he tries to find another girl. A reasonable amount of hilarity ensues - and not just due to William H. Macy's wig. So do some bad feelings on the part of his best friend. But the peer pressure to not go with a "friend" is ever present - as is the need to get a post-prom hotel room. As the refrain goes - even "Bart's Got a Room..."

There's also an occasionally entertaining and interwoven story line about his parents who are divorced and dating other people. It produces multiple uncomfortable situations such as the dad asking the son to assess his date's physical attributes.

Overall a pretty entertaining coming of age story with an interesting visual look. I heard some folks complain they didn't like the over-saturated palette used. Personally I found it worked well. The film doesn't break new group across the board, but they do take the story in a direction that at least somewhat checks the road less traveled. That combined with the likable story and characters make this a recommend. And not just due to any personal similarities with the film - even if they exist.

Release information: according to the Q&A with the director post screening they now have distribution for the film and a release is planned in April '09.