The Boy Game

This documentary-style dramatic short aimed at preteens revolves around an eighth grader looking to fit in at a new school. At first Kenny (Kenny Sosnowski) hangs out with a soft-spoken cartoonist he knew in grade school, Noel (Alsharik Sejour). But when Noel has to leave town for an unspecified period of time due to a death in the family, Kenny lacks a social life, until he hits it off with ninth grader Reynaldo (Reynaldo Piniella). Soon, Kenny becomes part of Reynaldo's insulting crowd of skateboarders, who share a predilection for macho bluster and homophobic slurs. When Noel returns, Reynaldo makes fun of him, leaving Kenny in an awkward position, since he wants to maintain both friendships, so he encourages Noel to stand up for himself, but when things grow tense between Noel and Reynaldo, Kenny doesn't intercede. Kenny starts to spend more time with Reynaldo's loud group than with his quiet friend (Kenny's new girlfriend is also part of Reynaldo's inner circle). As Reynaldo's bullying increases, Noel becomes more withdrawn, even from Kenny. Inner monologues from the characters serve to explain their feelings and actions, and while Reynaldo may be harder for viewers to relate to, his strained relationship with his father provides some explanation for his controlling behavior. Although the film ends on an inconclusive note, director Deirdre Fishel did so intentionally in order to spur discussion about what the three boys could or should do next. Featuring two versions of the film—one with mild profanity, the other without—extras include a study guide. Recommended. Aud: J, P. (K. Fennessy)