Some Highs Are Out of This World
Director: Richard Cranor
Cast: Richard Cranor, Julian Gavilanes, Russell Hodgkinson,
Kevin Jolly, Shelby Traux.
The stoner film has almost become its own subgenre over the
years. Films such as True Romance, with Brad Pitts consistently stoned character
Floyd, have demonstrated the comedic value of a stoner character, however films
such as Soul Plane (2004) or Friday (1995) have taken this a step further and
produced entire films around getting high. The cult classic Cheech and Chong
trilogy from the 80’s do this with irritating perfection with The Big Lebowski
(1998) being the quintessential stoner film. Director Richard Cranor brings a
new blunt to the family with Star Leaf. But this is not your usual stoner film,
or your usual film at all.
Star Leaf follows veteran James Hunter (Julian Gavilanes)
and his ex-services buddy Tim Weaver (Tyler Trerise) and his Twihard girlfriend
Martha (Shelby Traux) as they travel to La Push for the surf (and a Twilight
tour for Martha) in an attempt to give James some R and R after his recent
tour. As they drive it becomes apparent that Tim has other ideas as he requests
a teensy weensy quick little stop off to visit a weed farm up in the forest
that is said to be home to some legendary leaf called Star Leaf. Whilst James
suspects that Tim wants to visit purely to get loaded, there are undercurrents
of PTSD and medicinal elements that Tim state will benefit James. However, when
the group find the marijuana Mecca they flaunt the rules and discover that the
powers that protect the crop are not best pleased. The three must now fight for
their lives in the marijuana haze of the forest.
Star Leaf is an intriguing and overall entertaining indie
film, though classing it as a horror film may be a step too far. A sci-fi
thriller/drama is a bit closer to the mark. The film is not your usual foray
into baked hallucinations and kaleidoscopic randomness set out purely to raise
some laughs. Star Leaf may have its prominent topic wrapped tightly, then
loosely, around weed, however there are deeper drags in this film. The film
looks at the topic of veteran PTSD and how this can manifest itself, as well as
the use of medicinal marijuana to treat it. Aside from James’ PTSD, there are
also hints at Tim suffering some sort of trauma too. It becomes apparent that
his adoration of all things green bears no real difference to James’ dependence
on prescribed medication.
Star Leaf provides wafts of deeper meanings in its plot,
whilst promoting the science fiction pot smoking aliens at its centre. There is
a definite indie feel to the film, which is in no way a criticism. The stylings
are reminiscent of 90’s Saturday afternoon adventure shows such as Andromeda,
but with a sharper script and more doobies'. The writing of the film, whilst not going to receive
any Academy Awards any time soon, has its comedy parts as well as its poignant
moments. Whilst the poignant moments may lack slightly in emotion, the humorous
elements of the script are much more impressive. The film does slip into the
usual territory of stoner films such as utterly nonsensical visions however it
manages to just about cling onto the plot running throughout it without going
too wildly off course.
The lush scenery is used to great effect with the 90’s
throwback effects adding in a blurred ethereal haze. Whilst the acting is not
completely up to par, the performances are solid in the most part with director
Richard Cranor taking on the part of Ranger Dave. The film flows well, with
trippy feral beasts moving to psychology and time travel. Cranor himself has
described the film as a mash-up of genres which is probably the best way to
describe Star Leaf. It is a unique concept that comes in a unique package,
including sexy Asian fairy porn and bear-humping moose.
Star Leaf is an acquired taste. There will be a student,
weed loving group of viewers that will enjoy the film, but if those others
amongst persevere, you may be pleasantly surprised. Get some friends, buy in
the beers and the pizzas and let yourself get taken on this mind bending head
mess of a film that actually ends up making some form of sense in some bizarre
roundabout way.