Adults often forget that the relationships between children
are often as complicated and important as those between adults. Directors Jason Lapeyre and Robert
Wilson respectfully explore these relationships through a fake game of war
featuring an all kids cast that delivers on all fronts. The game is taken seriously and shot
like an actual war film, complete with intrigue and betrayal between the
participants. The basic premise is backed by some incredible performances and a
smart script that has surprising intensity, strong characters, and hilarious,
realistic dialogue.
When renegade soldier Skinner (Michael Friend) usurps control
by "killing" his general and taking the opposing general PK's (Gage Munroe)
right hand man and best friend hostage, he takes the game of War into unknown
and potentially dangerous territory. Like all great war films, allegiances are
tested, and good people die for a selfish reasons. As serious as I Declare War can get, it always
remembers it's about the children.
Consequently, the dialogue plays up the vulgar and often hilarious
topics kids talk about. They
swear, insult, and bullshit about almost every conceivable topic 10 to 14 year
olds growing up in this time period could think of. It's uncomfortably realistic at times, but it never wears
thin.
It's kind of amazing how well the balance of comedy and
gripping drama works. Friendships
mean everything to these kids, and not everyone makes it out of War
unscathed. The action is
remarkably well shot effectively increasing the intensity with each battle and
confrontation. A few subplots are
left hanging, and some of the kids are far better than others, but it's too
charming and fun to ignore the excellent filmmaking on display. I
Declare War could be The Sandlot for
kids growing up in the 2000s, and I sincerely hope it has the same nostalgic
impact so many coming of age comedy-dramas end up having on future generations.
