So many independently made coming-of-age movies are being released these days that few of them really stand out, even when the film in question is a coming-out/coming-of-age tale like "Edge of Seventeen."
It's not that the filmmakers don't try to do something different with this drama — it is set in mid-'80s Ohio, of all times and places. But that only makes the movie that much more disappointing.
As well-intentioned as it may be, "Edge of Seventeen" is filled with cliched dialogue, stereotypical characterizations and predictable plotting. Also, a painfully self-conscious lead performance by newcomer Chris Stafford really hurts.
Stafford plays Chris, an Ohio teen who's not completely sure about his sexuality. His best friend, Maggie (Tina Holmes), is in love with him, but the attraction apparently isn't mutual.
The problem only worsens when Chris takes a summer job at an amusement park cafeteria. One of his male co-workers, Rod (Andersen Gabrych), is attracted to him, but their subsequent sexual experimentation only leaves Chris more confused.
And it's not as if he has anyone to confide in. His mother (Stephanie McVay) is definitely rooting for him to wind up with Maggie, while the clearly disappointed girl is nursing wounds of her own.
If the film had stayed on this course, it would have been a whole lot better off. Instead, director David Moreton and screenwriter Todd Stephens stray from the compelling dramatic elements — and make the mistake of throwing in some needlessly explicit and exploitive sex scenes.
And it doesn't help that they never bother to flesh out the supporting characters, who are at least as interesting as the lead. Also, promising subplots are brought up and subsequently dropped, such as Chris' interest in becoming a musician.
One area where the film does excel is in its musical soundtrack, from former Thompson Twins member Tom Bailey's subtle score to the use of authentic '80s synth-pop songs (including selections from Bronski Beat, Yaz and the Eurythmics).
"Edge of Seventeen" is not rated but would receive at least an R for simulated gay sex and other sexual acts, profanity, male nudity, simulated drug use (inhalants) and some vulgar humor.