Last Man Club

One of the things I love most about being involved with film festivals is discovering those rare gems you only find in the independent world. This year's Worldfest Houston opener and Houston Film Critic's "Best Picture" award winner is one of those gems. "Last Man Club" is a sweet, humorous story about an elderly WWII veteran, Capt. John "Eagle Eye" Pennell, (played by James MacKrell in his first big screen leading role), who embarks on one last cross-country adventure to rescue a former fellow crew member from institutionalization after overhearing his son and daughter-in-law discuss his impending move to a retirement home.
     You don't bump into many family-friendly films at independent film festivals. Usually anything that qualifies as "family-friendly" ends up being cheesy drivel aimed at small children. This film was surprisingly different.
     Although some of the language and themes have garnered it a PG-13 rating, I took my 11-year-old daughter and found it was just fine for a mature 6th grader like her. She laughed in all the right places and really connected with the story and the characters. (She also made quick friends with the film's youngest star, but that's a story for another time.) I was pleasantly surprised to find the film less dramatic than its trailer and full of the kind of laughs you get from watching real people being, well, real people.
     At its root, this story is about the struggles any family faces when juggling raising kids and caring for an aging parent, and the loss of dignity many of our veterans suffer as they age. The cast is excellent and there are several familiar faces among the film's stars, including the inimitable Barry Corbin, William Morgan Shephard, and Jake Busey as well as TV's Kate French. And there's that guy you see everywhere but are never quite sure why you recognize him, Richard Riehle, in one of his best roles, albeit brief, as a veteran suffering Alzheimer's. The rest of the cast features some of the independent film industry's best rising stars. Keep an eye out for Amy Kay Raymond (best known for TV's "Prom Queen") in a noteworthy turn as a frazzled mom, Corbett Tuck as a sympathetic VA nurse and youngster Blaze Tucker who delivers an endearing performance as Eagle Eye's grandson.
     I won't give away the full plot, let alone explain how Eagle Eye ends up running from the law in a classic car with a hooker named Romy, or why they're being chased by a crime boss and one of his thugs. Suffice it to say, the subplots in this film keep the story moving and add a unique level of humor one would expect from the likes of "Grumpy Old Men."
     Yes, this is without doubt an independent film, but it is a stellar sophomore outing for producer/writer/director Bo Brinkman. The budget is far less than what you'll see out of the big Hollywood studios, yet I saw only two visible flaws in production that reminded me I was watching an independent. Brinkman has pulled off a magic feat in crafting a fun yet captivating story and pulling together a talented cast that make this film worthy of national distribution. I imagine initial release will be limited, but I highly encourage you to seek this film out when it makes it to your town.
     Before I wrap this up, I would like to offer a big thank you to Worldfest Houston for inviting local veterans to attend the world premier and opening night at no charge. Hunter Todd, Worldfest founder and a USCG veteran himself, never ceases to impress me year after year. While I was never able to serve myself, many members of my family and close community have and I feel very honored to have been able to join those who have served our country for the festival kick-off. Kudos, Worldfest! And thank you, each and everyone, to America's many veterans.
     Keep watching Facebook/LASTMANCLUB for more information regarding this wonderful film.