thezeal Before watching a movie, I often look at the reviews first. Going into the Preppy Connection, I was sure I wasn't even going to be able to finish it, but I was surprised. First of all, the cinematography in this movie is excellent. It is very subtle and intimate, making the whole story feel more real, which I suppose was the purpose given this is based off of a true story. The acting was pretty good, I was especially impressed by Lucy Fry's performance. By the end of the movie, the physical damage cocaine had on the characters, shown by the dark circles under their eyes or the yellow tint of their skin was a good choice.Overall I think what really stood out to me was how convincing this movie was. Not necessarily from the plot, but from the little details. Coming from a New England boarding school, I was impressed by how realistic the dormrooms, classrooms, uniforms, as well as the different characters in this movie were. Private school scandals are often blown out of proportion in the media, vilifying everyone involved and I was expecting this movie would do the same, but I actually found myself either relating to characters or at least seeing people I actually knew in characters. The movie moves at a pretty slow pace and definitely is about first world problems, but once you get over this you might find yourself surprised by this movie too.

The Couchpotatoes Movies based on a true story are always more interesting then the odd fictional movie. In The Preppie Connection it's all about a simple guy, Toby (played by Thomas Mann), that tries to fit in with the other high class students. He's secretly in love with Alex (played by Lucy Fry) and tries to impress her and her entourage by scoring weed, then cocaine, and later by smuggling the white powder from Columbia. It's an interesting and entertaining movie. The cast is well chosen and the storyline is very easy to follow. It shows what some people would do to impress others or to fit in, and it shows how cocaine can destruct a lot of lives. Certainly worth a watch.

Andres Irias This film is the real deal. Anyone who hasn't seen this film rush to the nearest theater that has it available or rent it through here. Unfortunately I had to discover this top notch indie through Itunes rather than on the big screen. Joseph Castelo directs in the most thrilling and personal way ever. He has the ability to not shy away from how close or far the camera has to be from the actors allowing for a greater emotion to be build around the scene based on how each character thinks acts and reacts towards a problem. This film is based on true events which makes it the more shocking as the plot unfolds. Castelo's camera work helps the viewer engage with the story while shocking us with the facts in a perfectly paced film. Thomas Mann once again proves that he is a one of a kind actor. He has the ability to be multifaceted. From roles like Project X and now evolve even more in this film it shows how capable he can be into doing almost anything. This film is his finest yet. Talking about finest, Lucy Fry is another talent that shocks whenever she is on screen. Her performance is nothing short of wonderful. Each line she has is conveyed in such a natural way that it seems as if she'd improvise. Not only that but through her performance she as an actress fades away and suddenly you believe her to be this character. Her acting not only increases the importance of the film, she also goes neck and neck against Thomas Mann's performance and that truly proves that she has the acting chops to be a lead role in whatever situation that she is put in. Jessica Rothe, Logan Huffman & Robert Gorrie demonstrate that they have enough character arcs in order to turn the table and thrill the audience with their wonderful portrayals. Not only is there synergism between them, but they know enough about how their characters would feel according to a situation that they are able to convey it with pure body expressions rather than depending solely on the dialogue. These three actors/actress are ones that people should keep an eye out for because they are the real deal and I wouldn't be surprised if in the next couple of years they get a huge lead role on a tent-pole film. Not only is the story for it being based on true events a unique and different one, its also a perfectly executed one. Props to Joseph Castelo and Ashley Rudden for conveying a truly important and underrated event in the best way possible. Its also surprising that for a film based on the 80's the cinematography aids the film into becoming a timeless work of art for which Brett Jutkiewicz should be praised for. Finally and most importantly there can be no 80's film without music that conveys that decade and not only does Sam Bisbee achieve that but he actually goes a step further into making it a modern take allowing the viewer to feel as if they are in the 80's while also imagining as if the film's events are actually from this present decade and thats a testament of how much talent there is in front and behind the camera in order for the composer to bring something old in a fresh, vibrate and electrifying new way. From the acting, camera work, cinematography to the wonderful soundtrack this film is one to praise. If you have seen the trailer then you may have high hopes for the film and I can truly say that you won't be disappointed as it exceeds them by 100%.

Richard I saw The Preppie Connection tonight, and found myself enjoying every bit of it. The fact that it was a true story made it an easy sell for me, but I particularly appreciate that the film makers didn't present anything fantastic or over the top. Instead, you really feel that what you are watching is probably what actually took place, no more, no less. In short, the risk the main character takes in traveling abroad for the purpose of drug trafficking is presented clearly and thoroughly for the viewer, and this serves to make the film engaging.I've read a review elsewhere that regards the acting in this film as weak. I don't agree at all. I thought the acting was great, the kids were believable, and I especially liked the soundtrack.To sum up, I probably wouldn't go handing out Oscars to the actors and crew, but in my opinion the film entertains all the way through, and is definitely worthwhile watching.