Downstream #4 "Growing Op"

A Coming of age tale set in modern suburbia. This film follows Quinn (Steven Yaffee) a teenager who has been home schooled his whole life by his pot growing parents. When they move from the country to suburbia the problems begin to rise. As high school senior that has never actually been to a high school, and has spent most of his years caring for marijuana plants. When Crystal (Rachel Blanchard) moves in across the street with her family, he quickly falls in love. Defying his parents he signs up for school with the help of the guidance counselor. Once he gets into school, he realizes that it's a concrete jungle.

When Quinn and Crystal start becoming closer, it shakes the social structure of high school. Instead of the Jock getting the girl the nerdy homeschooler is getting her. A lot of the films jokes and plot is based off of social structure within a high school. There is a scene where the 'outcast' is explaining the 'rules' to Quinn. It's a solid scene that really breaks down the social structure and how it works.

The great thing about this film, was that it was a unconventional stoner film. Instead of every main character being a super stupid and stoned at all times. Every main character is smart and is very aware of what is going on around them. This doesn't mean the film isn't funny. "Growing Op" has laughs throughout the film no matter who you are. Some laughs you do have to look for though. I have a strange sense of humor so I found most of the film entertaining to say the least.

The acting in the film is above par, it's nothing special but it's not terrible. The actor that plays Quinn is great for the part. He plays a quirky, loser teenager to a T. Quinn's Father (Wallace Langham) does a really great job as well.

The film as a whole is not perfect. It is a fun ride though. I won't ruin anything but, the ending will catch you by surprise. Then ending really made the film for me. It made a mediocre rom-com, a real solid film. I love when films do that, makes me wanna get writing on my script.

So this movie is new on the "Streaming Market" so I suggest you add it to your queue and give it a watch. It's definitely worth it. It's not the best film you will find on Netflix, but if your in the mood for unconventional stoner/rom-com film this is a good choice.

OVERALL SCORE


B+







-Magic