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Review

The ‘80s erupt in a quiet northern town in this new-wave fairytale centered on a group of reckless teenagers and the single event that haunts each of their lives. Lovers and filmmakers Todd Verow and Jim Dwyer (and his freaky ensemble cast) descend on his hometown of Bangor, Maine to make this somber and darkly bizarre film.

Based on actual events, A Sudden Loss of Gravity traces three generations of small-town misfits on the colorful fringes of small town America. The first and most affecting tale is of aging smalltime punk rock star Margo-Go-Go (Philly) and her relationship with her son and mother who live together. Margo’s son Scott (Aaron Falls) struggles to understand his drunken mom and her world while trying to deal with his own messed up life. He comes home from a drunken, stoned binge and hears his mom tell about her bad trip from 20 years ago. Meanwhile they are both avoiding the prom night drunken driving death of Scott's older brother. Brenda Velez plays the town hooker whose mind is taken over by the gay-bashing death of her best friend played by Eric Sapp.

The film's design is excellent, lending a true eighties feel to the fashions. Todd Verow's trip to his home town has led to an authentic small town feel to which the inexperienced, but very real actors only add. Special marks go to Philly as ususual turning in an outstanding performance, but truly - there wasn't an untrue performance in the film.

 -- Scott Cranin