Stockholm Boogie

Stockholm Boogie has been called a Swedish road movie on foot but I would rather call it a humorous take on Stockholms modern youth. The movie takes place during approximately 24 hours and is centered round two young cousins who are essentially searching for happiness, freedom and a sense of identity in an eventful capitol filled with caricatures of stereotypical Swedish figures.

The films lead parts Hoffe and Jerka are very much like Yin and Yang. Like mental reflections of the classic comedic duo Laurel and Hardy they are each other's polar opposites. Hoffe is outgoing, spontaneous and hedonistic while Jerka is introvert, shy and mindful. They have much to learn from each other in order to obtain balance and harmony in the long run and even though there is some degree of character development during the short time in the movie, most of these characters future is left for the viewer's speculation.

The directors and writers of the movie, the Lindgren brothers, are obviously inspired by French cinema is many aspects of the movie-making process. The romanticized cinematography, the over the top characters and the pubescent humor for example. Stockholm Boogie shows off a slightly utopian and overly colorful version of the Nordic city but it fits the theme of the movie nicely and almost adds a sense of cartoonish atmosphere. There are noticeably beautiful views of the modest but charming skyline which later evolve into a joyful and energetic party in the middle of the park overlooking the water in the middle of town. It is with a genuine love of Stockholm that the filmmakers try to portray a city filled to the brim with endless possibilities.

Although much of the humor might be too childish or silly for some people there is also charm and warmth in this movie. If you think that you might be a part of the targeted demographic then I recommend that you get a few friends together, grab a couple of beers or roll one up if that's your thing, and then chill out to this unique movie about a bunch of crazy stuff that happens when two guys hit the town in search of some good old fashioned fun.

In Sweden there is a film maker called Colin Nutley... he is a Brit who has adapted to Sweden and makes films there. As a double adapter, his films often resemble remakes of popular films from the US. His 2007 HEARTBREAK HOTEL is a Thelma And Louise riff; this film in which he participated in its development: STOCKHOLM BOOGIE, is essentially a reworking of GO where staggering party friends wander about for a night in some debauched vulgar booze and party mode that depicts Stockholm 20 somethings in an unflattering way... which basically says that Sweden can be Ibiza or Brixton or Cleveland too, thus negating the point of watching similar irresponsible louts when you have them in your country too. So here is Sweden's version of the familiar. Made on a very low budget and filmed to depict one wild night in a time line of misunderstandings and boozy brawls, STOCKHOLM BOOGIE is a like a party that goes on too long... or not worth staying at. Erik Johanssen is excellent as the endearing but badly named Jerka ( a terrible name of I ever heard one) and I expect he will survive this pointless exercise in ugliness. It isn't really a good film in any way and makes young Swedes look foolish, but does have some good photography at sunset on a rock cliff on the river. Nutley must see every film not made in Sweden as an opportunity to remake it there.