Deaner '89

I loved this movie but you can't go into it with an expectation that it will be like the Fubar movies. You also have to get over the fact that Deaner is an old guy trying to play a teenager. PS I have no idea how the hell he pulled off being so spry at his age... I am 40 and can barely get off the couch without hurting myself.

Anyway, my review has to be a certain length and I don't have much else to say about the movie other than...

Woman is a Danger Cat

The streets are silent, My wheels are the night, Black leather boots calling out to you, A cute blonde boogie machine spreads her wings, And comes along for the ride.

Your father thinks you're out at Suzie's place, Bonin' up on the classics, But everyone in high school knows, You're heavy into gymnastics.

One way street, never mind the signs, Full charged gasoline in the tank, Your foot is on the gas and the tires say YEAH!

Woman is a danger cat

Your teachers say you never try, You should be top of the class, But if I was your only educator, You know that you would pass.

You sneak out at night, Deep into the night, This ain't no halfway house, You came from good blood RIGHT!

On and on

Woman is a danger cat

-Deaner.

Loved the two Fubar movies and loved this!! Nice cameos by Kids in the Hall's Kevin McDonald who plays a shop teacher, MadTV's Will Sasso who plays his dad and hockey coach and This Hour Has 22 Minute's Mary Walsh who plays Deaner's girlfriends mom who was in a punk rock band. Yes this may not be an intellectual masterpiece but it made me smile and laugh which is what the world needs more of. I especially loved the inclusion of old school rock/metal bands like Dokken, Judas Priest, Metallica, etc. And Dean meeting a member of Dokken as he was denied entrance into the concert venue. Reminded me of when Wayne & Garth going backstage to meet Alice Cooper & Aerosmith. Hopefully they continue to make these rock comedies in the tradition of Spinal Tap. Cheers and rock on deadly dudes!!

What a great 80's style movie. This is exactly how good movies were made in the 80's and 90's. It's got such a feel good vibe and also is funny as hell. I will be watching this over and over for many years. If you're a fan of the original Fubar movie or 80's style films then this movie is for you. It's got lots of great Canadian humor and also that 80's rock n roll vibe. The casting is also pretty spot on and all the actors and actresses do a great job. It's been awhile since we've had a great Canadian made film that will become an instant classic and will bring new fans into the Fubar world. Turn up the good and turn down the sick!!! WHOO!! GIVER!!

Wow. Just wow. Is this an 'action comedy' about the Sixties Scoop?

As the logline suggests, there is no singular coherent story. Like, at all. Receiving a trunk of his dead biological father's belongings is not enough of an inciting incident, there is zero dramatic action or plotting that follows. The scenes lack internal structure and setups, payoffs or punch lines. The transitions are just frequent cuts to a fifty-year-old dude on a BMX pretending to be seventeen again. Instead of learning about his hitherto hidden indigenous Metis identity, he's discovering heavy metal, but the score lacks any actual heavy metal. It's 1989, so if you're a Dokken fan, you'll know that year things fell apart and they broke up. There's a cartoonish bad biker attempted antagonistic subplot that's so cringe it's funny in a 'The Room' kind of way. It's trying to pass off as part of a franchise with a fan base but not delivering any goods. Some performances are good despite the lack of material. Star Slade almost saves the scenes she's in. Spence, however, can only barely channel the character and has changed things about Dean like his social class, hometown, ethnicity, the mom he had in the Fubar films and his age while trying hard to prove he's the Deaner. How much can you stand to watch Paul Spence constantly shotgun beers and say 'Giver?" Feels like he's trying to prove he's the better of two bangers but fell flat on his 'Sexcalibur' knife. As a Fubar fan, I feel ripped off. This film looks like it had at least ten million to work with, so hardly the little Indy Canadian that could. Meanwhile, Indigenous filmmakers in Canada continue to get robbed at fund points.

Anyone who gives this movie less than an 8/10 wasn't paying attention. As a Canadian who grew up in dead end towns I'm admittedly biased but I can authentically speak to the expertly curated set design and wardrobe choices in this film and they nailed it. Anyone else who has spent time in small town Canada will know Dean Murdochs' (Paul Spence) neighbourhood intimately (including the front yard junk piles and local sidewalk six-pack guy).

Going into Deaner '89 I was expecting to laugh at some dumb slapstick jokes and the beloved characters' riotous charm but I was surprised to be genuinely moved by the story. Without spoilers, this is a journey of self discovery and an example of what it takes to chase the dream when no one else wants you to. If you've ever felt trapped inside a box that the world demands you to be happy in, you'll resonate with Deans' experience. This Canadian indie film confronts some important, heavy themes with grace and tact.

The family dynamic of father figure Glen (Will Sasso), anxiously religious mother Mirna (Lauren Cochrane) and headstrong little sister Jen (Star Slade) is sweet and entertaining. Kitty (Mady Foley) is the perfect high school heartthrob and her Aunt May (Mary Walsh) is the metal mentor of my dreams. This movie truly has a lot to offer and the grade A (Eh) comedic performances and heavy metal spirit make up the juicy cherry on top of Deaner '89.