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Film Gecko

"Minutemen" Review & Trailer

by Jane Boursaw on June 3rd, 2008

DVD: Minutemen * Official Site	On DVD:	May 27, 2008
Runtime: 98 minutes	Directed by:	Lev L. Spiro
MPAA Rating: Not Rated	Gecko Rating:

On their first day as high school freshmen, Virgil Fox (Jason Dolley of Corey in the House) and Charlie Tuttle (Luke Benward of How to Eat Fried Worms) are humiliated by bullies in front of the entire student body of Summerton High School.

The two form a close friendship that lasts throughout their high school years. In their senior year, Charlie discovers the key to time travel, and he and Virgil enlist the help of mechanically-minded Zeke (Nicholas Braun) to create a time vortex which allows the three boys to travel back in time at will.

More after the jump, including a trailer…

The three pledge to use their newfound powers for good and right all the injustices of high school life. They take on Chelsea (Stephanie Jameson) as an assistant and call themselves the “Minutemen.”

It’s all good for a while – despite the fact that they’re known as “Snowsuit Guys” – until their time-traveling attracts the attention of the FBI. Apparently, their good deeds result in some serious personality changes in those they help. Also, a black hole develops which threatens the existence of Summerton and the entire planet.

Themes of friendship, bullies, and high school angst all play into this movie. While the story is rife with stereotypes – geeks, nerds, jocks, cheerleaders – I love that the characters are broadened beyond those categories. Though Zeke is considered a shop nerd, he surprises everyone with his knowledge of advanced physics. And as the Minutemen save the other nerds from humiliation, the nerds gain more confidence, upsetting the entire social order of high school for the better.

While mostly silly and fun, this movie has some good lessons about grouping kids into particular categories. Anyone who loves Disney Channel shows will like this movie.

DVD Extras: The Making of Minutemen (cast members re-live the movie’s production); music video (”Run It Back Again,” performed by Corbin Bleu); never-before-seen extended ending.

Note to Parents: This movie includes mild kissing, slapstick stunts, and bullying. There’s no swearing, but lots of name-calling, such as “geek” and “nerd.” It’s mostly innocent fun with a good message about the perils of stereotyping kids.

Trailer: