Rounding First

I had the chance to see this film four years ago at a film festival, and I've never forgotten it. I just watched it again, and I realized why. This film is a deeply touching, and often funny, little film.

Three best friends: normal but deaf, Joe (Soren Fulton), hotheaded and mischievous Tiger (Matthew Borish), and chubby Chris (Sam Semenza) are sent to camp during the summer of 1980. But Joe's parents have gone off on a trip in the meantime, and they didn't tell him why. Fearing that they're getting a divorce, the three best friends break out of camp and head to Philidelphia to meet his parents.

"Rounding First" is not a perfect movie. The acting is often a little overwrought (particularly by Soren Fulton), and the script could have used a rewrite or two (the film was obviously made on a minuscule budget). Yet, it is still a film that I hold dear, because for all its flaws, it really strikes the heart.

The acting varies. Soren Fulton is overall effective, but in times where he is rather stressed, he can go over the top. Matthew Borish steals the film as Tiger the troublemaker. He is often funny, but sometimes combative. Borish is able to create Tiger's facade and still allow us to peek underneath into his real feelings. Sam Semenza is funny as Chris, who frequently worries about the trouble that the three of them are going to be in once their parents find out what they're up to. Michael Dean is also good as Rascal, the inept criminal who gives them a lift halfway across the country. He's a nice guy, but he's not a pushover. John Michael Bulger is also very good as Tiger's alcoholic father. He cares about his son, but is carrying some trying demons. The other characters aren't as well acted, but they're not important. The only characters that matter are John, Tiger, and Chris, and to an extent, Rascal and Gene.

Perhaps it was budget constraints, but writer/director/editor Jim Fleigner could have used some more time developing his film. As it is, it seems like it could have used a few more rehearsals and rewrites. But it leaves you with the touched, feel-good feeling that he was clearly going for. Special note has to go to the ending. Many thrillers try to surprise you with a twist ending, but most fail. For a dramedy, "Rounding First" pulls a fast one on us like you wouldn't believe. It's tragic and hopeful at the same time. The film is often funny as well. Tiger's insults are pretty clever, and one scene about driving a car is pretty amusing.

It may not be perfect, but "Rounding First" is unforgettable.

From time to time, apparently small-scaled films come along that manage to leave a lasting impression that simply was not expected. It is a refreshing fact that some of the best and most rewarding films out there are not coming from Hollywood but from independent sources. Often, the huge efforts that were put into the writing and making of these films find their way to the final viewing experience, and with Rounding First this is most definitely not an exception.

Jim Fleigner is the man who both wrote and directed this wonderful film that everyone who somehow loves cinema will probably enjoy. Some might just find the film sweet and entertaining, while some will find some deeper layers and aspects that carry this coming-of-age film towards the same level that Rob Reiner's comparable Stand By Me brought to its audience. And regarding the emotional and dramatic aspect, Rounding First has little trouble reaching Reiner's film, probably causing many tears to roll down the face as a result. While everyone will obviously develop their own thoughts on Rounding First, it is impossible to dismiss the amount of love and work that went into bringing this picture to the screen - be it in theatres, or at home.

Rounding First is basically sharing the coming-of-age story of three 12-year old friends who are having a dramatic - but also fun - adventure, trying to find out the truth behind a situation that has left one of the boys in great emotional pain. Taking place in 1980, the boys head out to find out what is really happening - traveling many miles and becoming involved in some powerful and engaging situations. While the film's story undeniably is an emotionally powerful (and ultimately even devastating) one, there are also many other aspects that will make the experience highly suitable and recommended for just about everyone. There are laughs, but there will also be tears. Carefully crafted and balanced, Rounding First draws its viewers into a childhood journey that feels exciting, personal, and also very dramatic.

Coming-of-age films would appear flat if their young actors would not be able to display honest and moving performances. Rounding First amazed me with its talented and stunningly performing child actors. Soren Fulton is bringing his emotionally scarred character to life with incredible prowess - making it impossible to remain unaffected by his role in the story. Matthew Borish is also very powerful as Soren's character's best friend - showing both anger and incredibly affecting moments. Sam Semenza brings great joy and genuinely funny moments to the film, which are required things with some very dramatic events finding their way to the viewer.

Backing up the film experience is a highly enjoyable and moving score by Czechoslovakian composer Ludek Drizhal, offering wonderful support for the many powerful moments in the film. Sweet and calm piano, harp, strings - brought to life by the Slovack Radio Symphony Orchestra, which was clearly in the right mood to do the job well.

Ultimately, Rounding First is a wonderful and required experience for everyone to enjoy. It is a moving, well-written and ditto crafted coming-of-age film, performed by truly gifted child actors and supporting cast, granted by a sweet and memorable score. It is impossible for me to not recommend this heartfelt film.

Rounding First simply deserves to be experienced by everyone.

I saw this film at the Hawaii Film Festival and loved it! It is very well made and very well acted. It's hard to get good performances out of child actors, but the three main boys of the story are very believable and talented. It's a great coming-of-age story that is set in the 80's and the clothing and hair and even the music are very authentic and reflect that. The film reminded me a lot of "Stand by Me" although without the "R" rating of having swearing or finding a dead body! It's a family film but the crowd I saw it with ranged in age from 10 or 11 years old to grandparents. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the film and it got a great reception from the audience. I highly recommend checking this film out if you can. In this day and age of huge commercial flops like "The Island" or "Stealth" or "Aeon Flux" it's nice to see a quality made, family film that is heart-felt and entertaining.

I saw Rounding First at the premiere in New York this year in September. I loved it. It was a great feel good kind of movie. It was also casted well (expecially with Mihael E. Knight as John). In all I love watching the movie over and over again. I was very impressed that it was so good considering it wasn't a Hollywood major film. I loved every part of the film. The kids also acted out their parts extremely well. I hope that the film industry will come out with more films like Rounding First that isn't all about sex, rage, and despair, but about friendship and respect. Overall I found Rounding First to be done extremely well and would recommend it to anyone who wants to sit down and watch a feel good movie.

I saw "Rounding First" yesterday (9/10) and must say it was an inspiring movie in more ways than one. The acting by the youngsters starring in the film was first rate as was the writing and directing. The autobiographically inspired story takes place in the writer-director's home town in eastern Pennsylvania in 1980 and is faithful to that time frame. It is also important to note that this is one of the few movies that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It is a grand coming of age story with a moral lesson. It is a small budget movie with a big budget impact. The only regret is that Hollywood and the major film festivals have ignored it and the only way to view this gem of a movie is on DVD. By all means, though, watch it with your kids on the small screen...and enjoy.