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THE FAVOR
Written & Directed by Eva Aridjis
Produced by Aridjis & Heather Greene
Edited by Mathilde Bonnefoy
Director of Photography Andrij Parekh
Music by Danny Hole
Released by Seventh Art Releasing
USA. 110 mins. Not Rated
With Frank Wood, Ryan Donowho, Isidra Vega & Paige Turco

Pet (and sometimes mug shot) photographer Lawrence lives alone with his dog Lucy, but after the love of his life, high-school flame Caroline (Paige Turco), moves back to town with her 16-year-old son Johnny, a rekindled romance is in sight. In a shocking turn of events, and shortly after their first date, Caroline dies in a freak accident. As a favor to her, Lawrence takes in Johnny so he won’t end up in a foster home – his own father wants nothing to do with him – and it quickly becomes obvious that Johnny is a more than your average troubled teen.

Apart from the obvious parental issues, Johnny is a chronic smoker, he hardly ever attends school (he’s showed up only six times since the year started), and his only friend is his drug dealer (played by the delightfully deadpan Jesse Kelly). The fact that Lawrence cares enough to crack down on these problems only makes Johnny more distant and angry, but his shy crush on the Cure-loving, dedicated schoolgirl Mariana (Isidra Vega) reveals a side that reminds you he’s just a teenager who needs love like anyone else.

The plot turns pretty predictable once Johnny moves in with Lawrence (“Don’t stay out late!” doors slamming, etc.) and you know it will end with a hug. But in the meantime, Tony Award-winner Frank Wood (Lawrence) and impressive newcomer Ryan Donowho (who won the best actor award at the San Diego Film Festival for his portrayal) both give wonderfully understated performances.

Featuring an excellent soundtrack (songs by the Cure, Interpol, and the Stone Roses) that compliments Johnny’s angst, The Favor is a pleasantly honest and touching family drama. Writer/director Eva Aridjis does a nice job of avoiding the cornball sentimentality that so often accompanies such subject matter. B. Bastron
May 2, 2008