The Crusades

Having gone to an all boys private high school, this hit close to home. So many little nuances that brought me back to my youth. First off the film looked amazing. I think it's an indie? But would not be able to tell based on the production value. Was shot very cinematic with a classic Hollywood feel to it. All this makes it hard to tell what year you his story exactly takes place but that makes me kinda like it even more. Feels timeless and relatable no matter your age. Very strong performances and some genuine laugh out loud moments. The second half of the film is wild and well worth the build up. Was pretty shocked how far the filmmakers took the action. Overall very fun and nostalgic, will definitely keep this in the rotation.

In Leo Milano's THE CRUSADES we experience a semi-autobiographically tale, told through the director's personal and artistic lens of what it was like to come of age at private all boys school in Chicago.

Those with similar backgrounds and experiences will surely resonate on a deeper level, while all audiences will take joy in seeing such a unique and personal perspective of high school brought to life in uncompromising style.

As a female viewer, I appreciate getting a ticket to ride a male coming-of-age rollercoaster that's chock full of the usual jokes and hijinks, but also emotional depth. While the film is set in all-male spaces and perspectives, it refreshingly avoids "male fantasy" tropes and offers more complex, authentic, and bittersweet takes on coming-of-age milestones.

Rather than paint over his past with happy endings and easy triumphs, Milano offers up the insecurities, neuroses, mistakes that are the true tenants of adolescence. Any confidence, personal growth, or female adoration that protagonist Leo (an irresistible Rudy Pankow) is able to cultivate for himself, is true to life: messy and hard-earned. It's a testament to the beauty of indie film and this team in particular, that THE CRUSADES brilliantly avoids the sense of entitlement and self-indulgence that oozes from so many films in this category.

Even more commendable is the fact that the filmmakers seem to genuinely care about including all audiences along for the ride. The movie manages to hit high-stakes antics and big comedic swings while also using the storytelling to give us thorough understandings of the characters and their journeys. Fans of Superbad, Everybody Wants Some!! And Ferris Bueller's Day Off will all be satisfied by this artfully told, unapologetically fun, coming-of-age chronicle and refreshed by a narrative that properly honors the rough patches of growing up.

"The Crusades 2023" is a captivating coming-of-age film that takes place in the unique setting of an all boys private high school. The movie follows three friends who are on the cusp of a revolutionary change in their lives.

What makes this film stand out is its ability to blend various elements seamlessly. It combines the themes of friendship, rebellion, and self-discovery with a touch of romance and adventure. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their journey throughout the longest weekend of their lives is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The movie skillfully explores the complexities of teenage life, showcasing the struggles and challenges faced by the characters as they navigate authority, love affairs, and even violent foes. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping the audience engaged and eager to see what happens next.

The cinematography and direction in "The Crusades 2023" are top-notch, capturing the essence of the high school experience and creating a visually stunning backdrop for the story. The soundtrack perfectly complements the mood of each scene, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Overall, "The Crusades 2023" is a must-watch film that combines elements of drama, comedy, and adventure to create a compelling narrative. It is a relatable and heartfelt story that will resonate with audiences of all ages.

I watched this for Rudy Pankow but eventually was robbed of 90 minutes of my life. This movie is so badly written, the story line was an awful mess and the acting was unexpectedly poor if you compare it to Pankow's performance in Outer Banks!!! I cannot even look at him anymore without being reminded of his poor performance in this horrible movie. I wouldn't be surprise if this pick is going to kill his career. He should consider changing his management. When we were laughing, while watching it, we did it for all the wrong reasons. I am sorry, but the actors embarrassed themselves starring in this, so did screenwriters and the director (who supposedly graduated from Notre Dame?!). I cannot believe this was fit enough for release. More like a really bad Highschool production made by amateurs. I feel a bit sorry writing this because I recognize that there is always a lot of work involved, but the poor quality of the film genuinely upset me. Do yourselves a favor and give it a miss.

This was a wild fun time! Well shot and edited. I had a blast throughout. The score was excellent. Strong messages underlying. Twists and turns with wonderful storytelling. Felt very much like a modern Warriors while also doing its own thing.

I related with Sean from past experiences. But Coach Krieger was quite the character. Took you back to the good ole days as a high Schooler teen. The casting was pretty spot on.

So much can can happen in a short period of time and this film captures that perfectly. This film deserves a wide release on Physical Media. The cinematography at the end with the sunrise is absolutely beautiful and perfect!