Anthem of a Teenage Prophet

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Victor O I saw this in Peyton List's filmography and decided to give it a shot. I did recognize some significant actors in the cast, but I didn't have much in the way of expectations with a title like that. Luke Hunter, a young man on the cusp of adulthood is enjoying his final year in high school getting high while enjoying the company of his friends when he suddenly seizes up and prophecies the death of one of his friends. The next day, death happens in the way he describes it, along with actually feeling the death happen. The press covers the event, hurting him emotionally beyond normal as he wonders if he could have prevented it while those close to him try to help him. Another event is predicted as well as another death. But all these events seem to happen regardless of what he does, leading to a conclusion that seems to be heartwarming and beneficial. I saw this only for Peyton List and she proves to be as talented an actress as ever. I have seen Cameron Monaghan in other stuff before as well as Juliette Lewis who proves to work very well. But this story was weird, at first feeling like a poor man's Final Destination, then becomes another sad drama. I get that this was originally a young adult novel, but it should have done better with a decent screenwriter. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 08/17/23 Full Review Sean S I truly believe this is an under the radar sneaky good coming-of-age movie. It tackles some harsh truths about life while doing so in an interesting premise of visions/premonitions. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/11/23 Full Review tom m Moderately entertaining. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Too much of a slog for almost all of the movie, but it gets its act together somewhat in the final 15 minutes, which is too little--too late. One positive is that Juliette Lewis, as usual, brings life to the screen when she appears. Overall, with its disjointed plot elements and not fully developed characters, this film just misses the mark regarding its intended dramatic impact. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Anthem of a Teenage Prophet is about Luke (Cameron Monaghan), a teenager from the sleepy Michigan town of Stokum, who has a startling vision of his best friendâ(TM)s death while they smoke weed together. Producer Robin Hays adds to her directing credits with her first feature, following on from shorts Post no Bills (2017) and Bug Hutch (2009). Anthem of a Teenage Prophet is a low-key coming of age sci-fi. Strong from the outset, it loses its way as the film progresses. Todd M Duym provides beautiful cinematography: The quiet landscape echoes the usually peaceful lives of the characters. Anthem feels a little like a short film with extra space injected into it. Inspired by the Joanne Proulx novel Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet. The book is described as darkly comic, but that hasnâ(TM)t translated into the film. Despite depicting tragedy, Anthem was flat â" it should have fostered more emotion than it did. By the end I barely had a mild curiosity to see how it played out, rather than investment in the fate of the characters. The story promised the likes of Special (2006), but sadly fell short. My interest was piqued at the appearance of Juliette Lewis as Lukeâ(TM)s suburban mom. The wild kids from early 90s coming-of-age films have grown up (see also Winona Ryder in Stranger Things). Throughout the film Lewis and Monaghanâ(TM)s unscripted interactions play well. Set in the late 90s, Anthem of a Teenage Prophet is no nostalgia fest, but I couldnâ(TM)t shake the feeling that I was watching todayâ(TM)s teens minus the iPhones. There is something so self-assured about teenagers today that these characters shared â" even the awkward ones â" in the way they communicate. One reason for the film not being anchored in that era is its soundtrack. Despite Luke conspicuously listening to rap on his walkman, the rest of the music shifts back and forth between late 80s and mid 2000s to confusing effect. This isnâ(TM)t to say that a film soundtrack ought to match the time in which it is set, but it doesnâ(TM)t help here. Anthem of a Teenage Prophet is a diluted Donnie Darko. An indie sci-fi that has all the makings of a decent feature, but for a lack of confidence in the material. For fans of Another Earth (2011) Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member This movie was just...horrendous. There was really no plot, much less a climax. I could've strapped a go-pro to my toddler and made a better film. I'll give in half a star because Cameron Monaghan is hot, and a pretty talented actor- just probably shouldn't have taken this role. Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Anthem of a Teenage Prophet

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