Search - Frontrunners on DVD

Smartest, Most Engaging Film of 2008

A. Wilensky | 11/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this film because I had heard so much buzz about it from movie buffs and politicos alike. We went to Film Forum here in New York City, and the theater was packed; we barely got seats, and by the time the movie started people were standing and sitting in the aisles. I'm not from New York, so Stuyvesant as a phenomenon was new to me, and I don't think it mattered a whit; in fact, I think the movie's themes are wholly universal. What Frontrunners does is place you back in high school again in a way none of the glossy pop-culture or teen reality shows even attempt let alone achieve. The students featured in Frontrunners are complex, funny, incredibly smart and likable, or sometimes not, but always themselves, a credit to the filmmakers and their trust in their material. Their struggles and triumphs are poignant and captured brilliantly--the director is never intrusive but doesn't miss a trick, from one character's fidgeting hands to another's sideways smile. From beginning to end, supporting characters to soundtrack, atmosphere to setting, this film nailed its subject matter and more: turned a slice of real life familiar to anyone who ever attended high school into art. What more can you ask of a documentary? Best film I saw all year, bar none. Buy this DVD for all those who got caught up in this year's national election."

A must-see!

J.L. Abraham | 11/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this movie at the New York Film Festival (and again with my husband at Film Forum), and really loved it -- both times! While the exceptionally smart kids at Stuyvesant might not be your average high schoolers, you'll still recognize and connect with them. This is a funny movie with wit and heart. The political issues that these young candidates face are more than reminiscent of our recent presidential race, making it a particularly fascinating and fun must-see."