‘Snack Shack’ Review: A Chaotic Coming-of-Age Movie
‘Snack Shack’ bursts onto the scene with the energy of a racehorse charging out of the gate. Set in a racetrack betting station, the film thrusts us into the lives of AJ (Conor Sherry) and Moose (Gabriel Labelle), two 14-year-olds embarking on the summer after their Freshman year.
Driven by their obsession with get-rich-quick schemes, AJ and Moose find themselves on the brink of trouble one too many times. Threatened with boot camp if he doesn’t straighten up, AJ decides to take matters into his own hands. Together, they scrape enough money to rent the local snack shack by the community pool, launching their entrepreneurial adventure.
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As the story unfolds, we encounter familiar tropes of coming-of-age narratives: bullies causing chaos, teenage hormones stirring up drama, and parents laying down strict rules. While the plot may tread well-worn paths, Labelle and Sherry inject the film with youthful energy and camaraderie. Labelle’s portrayal of Moose is particularly noteworthy, brimming with passion and authenticity, despite occasional moments of unintelligible excitement.
In contrast, Sherry’s performance as AJ falls somewhat flat, hindered by a constant smirk that detracts from his believability. However, when the boys dive into their latest scheme, their enthusiasm is infectious, expressed through playful banter and adolescent antics.
Despite its flaws, ‘Snack Shack’ possesses an undeniable charm. Set against the backdrop of a Nebraska summer, the film captures the essence of youth with its nostalgic imagery and palpable sense of adventure. While the characters may appear older than their stated ages, their journey of self-discovery resonates with universal themes of innocence and recklessness.
Although ‘Snack Shack’ may not offer many surprises, it invites viewers to relive the exhilarating thrills of adolescence, reminding us of the timeless lessons learned on the journey to adulthood.
