Return of the Secaucus 7

Indie before indie was cool, filmmaker John Sayles used money earned from writing film buff-savvy B-movies for Roger Corman (Battle Beyond the Stars, Alligator) to make this modest, ultra-low-budget 1980 ensemble drama that anticipates The Big Chill. Lacking the latter's star power or Motown-driven soundtrack, Return of the Secaucus 7 serves up intimately-observed authenticity in their place, thanks to Sayles' naturalistic dialogue. An endearingly amateur cast (including future NYPD Blue player Gordon Clapp and David Strathairn) star as former college radicals who reunite at the New Hampshire home of Mike and Katie. The members of this former band of brothers play catch up, hook up, break up, and reflect on the paths their once dissident lives have taken (their detainment at a police station after being falsely accused of killing a deer--"Bambicide"--remains the film's best scene). Looking reasonably sharp (the film was originally shot on 16mm) on DVD, disc extras include a laidback commentary by Sayles, who provides insights into the challenges of making one's first film with no prior experience (or much money); and an interview with Sayles and longtime associate Maggie Renzi. Recommended. (K. Lee Benson)