MCN Review: Edge of America


Gary Dretzka Leonard Klady David Poland Ray Pride	___________________________________ Edge Of America was the opening night film at Salt Lake City. So, it had to be a well-intended piece of mediocrity, right? Wrong. Chris Eyre has shown before, with Smoke Signals, that he knows how to mainstream the Native American experience without being coy or heavy handed. But his new film, Edge of America is more than a Native American mainstreaming. It is a classic, corny, fun, joyful piece of pure Americana that recalls Bend It Like Beckham as much as it does Hoosiers or One on One or Rocky. A big part of what makes Eyre's film work, as with so many films, is casting. His lead, James McDaniel, who you'll remember from "NYPD Blue," is terrific. But the supporting roles are what really blows you away. He has a team of 10 girls, 6 or so have significant speaking roles. And as the film progresses, you know these girls and their individual stories without Eyre ever having to lay on the repetition. And you really care about them all. It's all there… the black man who is seen as just another white man, the spiritual grandmother who doesn't understand, the friendly sidekick coach who has to keep the coach from losing perspective, the pregnancy, the juvenile delinquent genius, the angry white man… but somehow it is undeniably charming, emotional and in the end, joyous. I'm told that there are some complications in distributing a film that is made by and for Showtime that make it less financially attractive, but that's a real shame. I still have some of the hotter titles to see. But this is a feel good movie that really reaches beyond its racial core. Of course, people have failed with movies like this before, selling them as ethnic films. What was great about Beckham and even the docs that have found some box office success is that they prove that you can reach beyond. It takes a special and unique effort and insight, but it can happen. And I hope someone finds a way to make it happen for Edge of America. by David Poland	Edge of America __________ Director: Chris Eyre __________ Country: USA Year: 2003 Time: 106 minutes __________ Cast - James McDaniel, Irene Bedard, with Tim Daly and Wes Studi Screenwriter - Willy Holtzman Executive Producers - Tim Daly, Steve Burleigh Producers - Willy Holtzman, Chris Eyre Cinematographer - Clark Mathis Production Designer - Mark Hoefling