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flick pan | Smoke Signals 1998 Directed by: Chris Eyre Written by: Sherman Alexie Starring: Adam Beach, Evan Adams, Irene Bedard Language: English Look for it at the video store under: drama, comedy The verdict: / 5 the rating system explained

Plot synopsis Slice of life movie about two Indian (Native American) teens from a reservation. Victor and Thomas road-trip to Phoenix to retrieve the ashes of Victor’s deceased father. Victor is a tough basketball playing kid, and Thomas is the nerdy one who (supposedly) has the ability to tell great stories. Along the way, they (supposedly) discover things about themselves as well as secrets of their pasts, and we (supposedly) learn about reservation life and frybread.

Review "Slice of life" is a term usually applied after viewing for a movie that went nowhere. When you can’t figure out what the hell’s going on, only to realize that, oh, nothing’s going on, you call it a slice of life. Or "character piece." No exception here. It’s billed as the first movie produced and written by Native Americans -- great, it’s quite an achievement to get a film made. And, from what I’m told, fairly accurate of reservation life. But it doesn’t mean it’s any good. It’s not necessarily bad, as in "Pallbearer" bad, or "Godzilla" bad, but Friday night laze viewing it ain’t. Don’t get on my case for being un-PC here. I rented this based on all sorts of great reviews. Boy, do critics have a completely different agenda in movie-watching. I guess "enjoyable," "entertaining," and "worth the rental fee" are three criteria that are absent from their judging lists. The story’s from a book, and you can tell. It’s full of (from what I gather) metaphors, but it just doesn’t translate. Thomas is supposed to be a great storyteller, able to mesmerize all who hear his tales, but, frankly, he’s just annoying, and his stories are ridiculous. Twenty minutes into this movie, the "ugggghs" and forceful sighs of "what the hell’s going on?" could be heard in my living room (and not just from me). The story meandered with no discernible direction, and before I knew it, we’re watching a scene of Indians vs. Jesuits in a 2-on-2 basketball game. Huh? Unless you have a burning academic interest in reservation life, or you’re just out of Nyquil, don’t get this movie. ‘Cause I didn’t.  
— reviewed by Steve Loh 

Steve Loh writes in LA. Prior to that, he held every odd character-building job between college and grad school and life, including temping, driving a schoolbus, substitute teaching, and being a birthday party clown for the kids of rich Hollywood folk. Barney was his least favorite costume and, unfortunately, the most requested.  

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