TECHNICALLY CRAZY
By: John ’Doc’ Strange
Directed by: Dan Riddle, Greg Shouse
Starring: Timothy Brennen, Connor Capetillo, Sylvia Pilawa, Andrea Farnham, Wilbur Penn, Richard Jackson, Jake Woodruff, Brian Capshaw, Cassie Shea Watson, Stephen Brodie
MPAA Rating: R
Selig Rating: FULL PRICE
Runtime: 87 Min.
When I get the opportunity to see a locally made film I jump at it. I was invited to attend a cast and crew screening of Technically Crazy, a film shot in North Texas at the Angelika Film Center in Plano.
Technically Crazy opens with Jay (Connor Capetillo), a bipolar sixteen-year-old getting out of a mental institute and returning to his foster family. In a fit of contrariness he steals his foster father’s car and heads for the hills, only to have the car break down on the side of the highway near Hillsboro, Texas. Heading out on foot, Jay breaks into a darkened house on a quiet street to get out of the rain. Unfortunately for him, the house isn’t empty. Sitting in the house, contemplating suicide is Bill (Timothy Brennen).
Bill, retired lawman that he is, takes exception to Jay’s unauthorized entry as well as his attitude. Bill sits Jay down to question him but he falls asleep with little usable information discovered. Jay does something which surprises me. He straightens up Bill’s house and waits for Bill to wake up.
This extremely odd start sets the pace for a stroll through a wonderful tale of growth and redemption. Jay’s spiritual growth includes falling for a sweet young lady, Becky (Sylvia Pilawa), as tough as she is beautiful. Bill’s realization that there is a reason to live and love again also includes, wait for it, Margie (Andrea Farnham), the lady behind the counter at the… DONUT SHOP (I DID say he was a retired lawman, right?)!
This film is really worth the price of admission. The fact that is was made for such a small amount astounds me. The story is tight, the editing is flawless, and the acting is worthy of a multimillion dollar project. Connor has been accepted into the USC Film School. Having seen his film debut performance in this film, I think they made a great choice. Go see this film when it comes to a film festival near you!
Movie Site: http://www.technicallycrazy.com
The Selig Rating Scale:
FULL PRICE – Excellent movie, well worth the price
MATINEE – Good movie
DOLLAR – OK movie
CABLE – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
FREEBIE – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn't paid for it.
COMMERCIAL TV – Commercials and cutting to the allotted time will not hurt this one.
FORGET IT! – Bad. If you see this one, do yourself a favor and keep it to yourself.
GET YOUR TORCHES – BAD! – Burn the script, the writer, the director and maybe even the actors!
