Back in 1987, William Dear directed an endearing family movie about a lovable abominable snowman called “Harry and the Hendersons.
Now, his newest film, an indie sports drama titled “Free Style,” represents a severely regressive work. It closely resembles an elaborate student film, complete with cast members who could have been snatched from a local community theater troupe.
“High School Musical” star Corbin Bleu plays Cale, the product of a mixed-race marriage and a broken home. He comes with the obligatory daddy-abandonment issues and a dream to become a professional motocross champion with his dirt bike.
“It’s not a game,” he asserts. “It’s my life!”
That’s just the tip of the cliché iceberg in this agonizingly familiar plot crammed with stock characters uttering well-worn phrases. It’s not clear why Dear makes all his untrustworthy characters blonde. (Read more…) Rated: PG. 94 minutes.
Now playing in local theaters.