MOVIE: The Do-Deca-Pentathlon
DIRECTORS: Jay and Mark Duplass
SCREENWRITERS: Jay and Mark Duplass
LEAD CAST: Mark Kelly, Steve Zissis, Jennifer Lafleur, Julie Vorus and Reid Williams
THEATRICAL RELEASE DATE: June 6, 2012
FESTIVAL DATE: Friday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 22
SYNOPSIS: When they were in high school two brothers — Jeremy (Mark Kelly) and Mark (Steve Zissis) — had a falling out over a dispute pertaining to the rules of their childhood contest of 25 events dubbed the Do-Deca-Pentathlon. Now, after having virtually gone through life without saying a word to one another for several years, the two will come together once again to resurrect their years-old competition and finally decide a champion.
QUICK THOUGHTS: The Do-Deca-Pentathlon is mumblecore through-and-through. Like most films of this sort it is perfectly satisfying, but far from anything I would ever say someone needed to go out of their way to watch. There are a few laughs as Jeremy and Mark tip-toe around their mother’s house, trying to complete the 25 events under the scornful nose of Mark’s wife (Jennifer Lafleur), concerned for her husband’s heart condition when he gets excited. It’s a slice of life with its ups and downs, and competitive minded people such as myself will certainly find a connection. Yet, it’s no more than a perfect film for a Sunday afternoon at home on the couch. With a running time around 76 minutes you could probably pause it, have some lunch and still finish in under two hours and not have to pay for parking. [C+]
