Good Life, The

Aroview: Professional skateboarder Stephen Berra directs this gloomy indie drama centering on a young outsider who finds solace in old movies while living in football-centric smalltown Nebrasca.

Traditional indie themes of the ‘misfit’ versus ‘The Man’ abound, although protagonist Jason’s problems (he has a hormonal imbalance resulting in complete hairlessness, for example) feel contrived rather than profound. Overall, Berra’s efforts to generate a quirky sensibility are conscious and heavy-handed. Regardless, there is some redemption in the gritty cinematography and cast that give it their all.