BOYCHICK (Short) Rating: Director: Glenn Gaylord Producer: Glenn Gaylord Writer: Glenn Gaylord Director of Photography: Kelly Elder McGowen Cast: Ben Lang, Lindsey Girardot, Andrea LaBella Format: 35mm

Review by: Warren Curry
3/11/02

A superb short comedy that wisely isn't afraid to travel a broader route to achieve its end goal. Glenn Gaylord has a great sense of rhythm, and Boychick is at times laugh-out-loud funny, thanks to the director's deft touch. He's able to find a distinct comic tone from the start, which remains focused throughout.

The film centers on a high school boy named Boychick (Ben Lang), who fantasizes about Britney Spears-esque pop star Ashley Hart (Lindsey Girardot), but not because he harbors the same fantasies many young men of his age have about the teenage sex symbol. On the contrary, he wants Ashley to teach him her moves so he can woo a male classmate that he has a crush on (Gregg Siff). The movie shifts back and forth between Boychick's dream world and real world, leading to a conclusive dance number where Boychick is finally able to conquer his inhibitions and really strut his stuff.

The film's depiction of the confusing period of life also known as high school is extremely engaging. Boychick is the classic reticent teenager who hides in his bedroom at home and silently observes from the background at school. Ben Lang is solid in the title role, making sure not to take his character too over the top. By the end of the film, who doesn't want him to impress the untouchable boy of his dreams?

Gaylord and choreographer Kelly Devine stage the dance sequences in a very humorous fashion, and the director wisely refuses to allow these moments to overwhelm the other strong elements at play. It looks great, moves at an upbeat pace and is a total crowd pleaser.

Keep an eye out for Boychick at a festival near you.

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