Buck Naked Arson

Running time: N/A

With spectacular digital cinematography (using the same cameras that George Lucas used for the latest Star Wars), Amy Snow makes her directorial debut with Buck Naked Arson, her engaging, intuitive, and riotous story that returns the coming of age film to the days before flawless teens romped across the screen.

 Four Oregon teenagers spend their graduation night in a secluded forest hoping to hide under the veil of youthful innocence one last time when a mysterious fire starts. The investigation of who started the blaze and why causes both sets of girls and guys to explore each of their unavoidable roles as adults while keeping the authorities guessing at the truth. 

Director Snow plays her hand close to the vest as Janey, Becca, Willy, and Grant recount their separate versions of the night. The pecking order that rules high school life is upended as both adults and youth learn that dreams are often fleeting while realities are constant. The exploration of sexual dynamics, religion, and jealousy combined with moments of honest comedy - including a hysterical reference to Pulp Fiction - will remind us of our own trip down this familiar road. 

Reviewed by John Ignowski. 

Preceded by: The Man Who Loved Elevators (Brian R. Taylor, 15 min., USA) Shot in beautiful HD format, it's the story of alienation-L.A. style-as two broken souls live on the edge of hell. Adapted from a Charles Bukowski story.