The Book of Caleb (2008) User Reviews

Comedy delivers, shows promise

[WPaul · 8/10 · 20 August 2008]

I first saw the trailer for THE BOOK OF CALEB on the Cinemassacre.com website. The trailer had me sold from the first mention of the fabled "upper decker," so I paid for the digital download and checked it out.

The movie delivered on the trailer's promise, and shows that this group of creative people is a group to watch. They really have the chops to do something great. This isn't your average oddity that you find on the internet, have a couple seconds of amusement, and then forget about. This is a legit movie from obviously talented filmmakers.

If I had to compare the movie to anything else, I'd probably say Wes Anderson's work, specifically BOTTLE ROCKET. This film has a similar quirky sense of humor, a "boys will be boys" attitude, and a way of making the mundane seem epic without getting sidetracked with self-importance -- the movie maintains a great sense of humor and is never pretentious.

There is definitely a unique voice here. Most of the performances are solid, especially for such an independent film, and the technical credits are all solidly professional.

I'm going to recommend this one to some like-minded friends, and think it could really take off from word of mouth. Definitely worth discovering.

High-quality independent film with great storyline

[sarah-musi · 10/10 · 14 February 2009]

"Book of Caleb" is a refreshing film that enjoys it's own quirks and justly so; it is a film about a boy (Montag) who, with ever fiber of his being, is set on never joining the bored mediocrity of the adult population. So why should it fit neatly into a boring adult-oriented genre? Answer: it shouldn't. It won't. This film requires an open mind and the willingness to just let it exist.

Although I can understand that this film would tend to have more of a following amongst the male population, I enjoyed it very much for the humanity of the characters and the plot which accurately exposed the unpredictable nature of a life well-lived. I enjoyed it so much, in fact, that I watched it again a few days later.

Congratulations to the makers of this film on a job well done.

A great Independent film

[Darthbrandon14 · 10/10 · 27 March 2009]

I saw the film on Amazon. (Because of a fluke, It didn't stop the 2 minute "preview" after the first 2 minutes of the film. ) And I am watching it on Hulu now. It is a great film, and I must warn you, I WILL put major spoilers up.

Short Synopsis: A comfortable underachiever and serial prankster, in the midst of their quarter life crisis, reunite against childhood enemies in a contemporary suburban epic.

I'd say my favorite character is either Swank or Officer Scar. And speaking of Scar, I AM saying how he got his scar, and my thoughts on the otherwise described "EMBARRASSING" scene.

OK, so it is a rainy day, and Caleb, Montag, Swank, Scar, and some other kids are playing Basket Ball. Scar (Who's real name is, if I remember right, Jim) keeps winning, Montag gets mad, and tackles him. Scar fights back and repeatedly punches him. Caleb grabs a trashcan and throws it at Scar, who gets pushed into a fence, his face pressed so hard, and I guess the metal also being wet and cold, cuts his face. He swears he will have vengeance.

What did I think of that scene? Um, it was actually pretty sad if you watch it, because of the music, the most. But It didn't seem so embarrassing to me.

My final thoughts on the film? It was great!I can't really say I don't like anything about it. 10/10!

I saw a test screening of this...

[rchlbrwn3 · 10/10 · 17 January 2008]

Hysterical movie. Officer Scar is one of the best villains I have seen in any film. The way he gets his Scar is so ridiculous! The scene when he works out was really funny as well. The characters are so interesting and developed. I love the comedy in the dynamic between Montag and Scar. Caleb's performance I found to be a little dull, but the other characters more then made up for him. Paul Gleason as the George Washinton was great in his final role. It's really sad he passed away. When I went to see this film I wasn't so sure, because I didn't know anybody in it. I can't wait for this film to come out. When is it coming out?

Way better than Signs...

[rps214 · 10/10 · 2 August 2008]

I just watched this movie last night and thought it was awesome! The movie did spark some weird discussions with my significant other about upper deckers, but the point is that it generated conversation. It's rare to find a movie that makes you think about life, responsibility, and poop. Forget the dude that made the Sixth Sense -- this is the best movie ever made in Bucks County, and does far more service to its lovely citizens and scenery. Well done, especially considering this is director von Manahan's first full-length film. I, for one, can't wait to see what else he has in store.

Oh, and Bill Tanner is a freakin' matinée idol.

Book of Caleb Review *Spoiler Alert*

[kevin_ryan_ball · 10/10 · 20 August 2008]

*Spoiler Alert*

High school is over, your whole life lies ahead, but nothing is certain as that road is covered in the dark shroud of the unknown. Find a job? Strike out on your own? Go to college? The fear of change is strong in all of us.

For Caleb, his fear is outweighed by that of needing a purpose, a restless soul the past is just that. But in his need for something better can he be sure he is making the right choice? We often dive in feet first and wind up right back where we started only to find the ghosts of the past are still waiting. Still scheming. As one friend ran the others where forced to alter their own course. "It's change that shows a man who he is to himself".

Caleb is reunited with his childhood friends the notorious pranksters Montag and Swank along with their archenemy, Officer Scar. He attempts to make the best of things barely maintaining a balance between his old friends and his girlfriend Cole. But just when he starts to get comfortable Scar threatens to tear his world apart again and Caleb sees just how different things have become without him. He is faced with what is truly important to him and must stand his ground now like he never could before. As Montag's own plans finally come to an ultimate conclusion he and Caleb are able to close old wounds with a newfound understanding as they find themselves, each in the others shoes.

The fear of change is strong in all of us but for the characters it helps them realize what they where missing or what they didn't even realize they had and they overcome all odds together. The Book of Caleb, a very powerful and hilarious comedy, brilliantly addresses the plight of the everyday Hero with a cleaver spin on a classic fairytale and a modern epic to boot for this writers generation and for all to come.

This is not your typical low-budget indie.

[dkfourc · 10/10 · 23 January 2009]

I was really impressed by The Book of Caleb - the first low-budget indie for the young director, Matt Manahan. The scale is HUGE - lots of locations, costumes, and characters. And it looked Amazing - how many first features shoot in 35mm these days? I had just gotten together with my friends from high school a few days before watching the film and so the themes hit me and resonated. I have so many old friends who i keep in touch with and miss, yet when we're together it's obvious how different we all are now. One friend said - I feel just like I did when i was 21 and I had to say back - why would you want to do that, you're 32! I think that's something we all go through and continue to. Caleb captured it well. I also loved seeing Bucks County, my home town, on the big screen.

For the most part, I thought the balance of humor and pathos worked really well - there was one scene that I thought stuck out but I can't remember what it was...it may have been the transition into the speech in the school yard or when the guy is dancing on the roof.

The film struck me as a great mix between a parable and 80's coming of age films. The voice-over sets that tone well, although i did wonder if it could be shorter - i have no idea.

A coming of age story that mixes comedy and sadness

[ShermCJ · 10/10 · 7 October 2008]

When we watched this movie we did not know what to expect, other than it was an indie movie filmed locally in PA. When we were finished we were literally blown away by the quality of the script, acting, filming, score, etc.

This coming of age story has many light moments in it that make you laugh out loud (especially some of the out-takes), serious moments that make you reflect on life's choices and the path you take (is it the path you choose or is it chosen for you by the results of what is out of your hands?)and sadness for what is the past and what might have been.

We thought this movie was outstanding, professional and deserves to be recognized as such.

Should be submitted to the film fest circuit!

The Book of Caleb is a wildly entertaining and original coming of age film.

[shermanpepe · 10/10 · 23 July 2008]

Got the DVD today - hilarious! We were absolutely so impressed and have already shared it with friends. The Book of Caleb is a successful, wildly entertaining coming of age film. Everything is topnotch - acting, directing, camera-work, editing, narration. Almost forgot the most important part, the concept and the writing. Great storyline that I feel many people can relate to on some level.

I'm a pretty anal artist and this movie really measures up. Loved the scene when "Scar" got his scar - beautifully shot, great use of combining black and white with color. The ONLY thing that bothered me a little was the use of people talking without hearing their words. The idea is good but I feel it could have been executed in such a way that it would feel more intentional.

Casting was right on. Best of luck & and I'll promote it without any reservations.

J. Sherman

My review for The Book of Caleb over at www.moviecynics.com

[BobbyBless · 9/10 · 5 April 2010]

You have to hand it to independent filmmakers these days. Many of them do whatever they can to get the movie they want to make up and running. It can range from giving blood to donating sperm to using the cheapest film known to man to film the movie or to even begging for donations… it doesn't matter what it is as long as you're ambitious enough to do whatever it takes to make the movie the way you want it be made. Hell, it doesn't even matter how long it took you to make the movie, as long as the ending result is something you are proud of. Such is the case with Matthew von Manahan's film, The Book of Caleb.

In the film, our hero, Caleb Callahan (Jeremy Luno) returns home after dropping out of college… to the surprise of everyone as he was only six credits shy of graduating. Upon arriving, Caleb rekindles his relationship with his childhood pals; Montag (Michael Hampton), the prankster who believes he's figured out everything in life, and Swank (Nikitas Manikatos), the ever trusting sidekick. It doesn't take long before the crew is up to no good and pulling pranks like they used to… that is until one of them involving the gubernatorial candidate James Paddington (Paul Gleason of The Breakfast Club in one of his final roles), goes horribly wrong. After which, it is up to Caleb to man up, face his fears (namely the sinister Scar; played by Jeff Berg) and become the leader that everyone knew he could be.

The Book of Caleb is a surprising little slice of the independent film-making pie. The movie is finely directed by Matthew von Manahan, who spent six years making the film from the basement of his parents' house. By taking as long as he did to finish the film, one can tell that von Manahan is dedicated to his craft; which is a welcomed treat as many would have either given up on the project or rushed it out just to say that they made a movie. This is a missing trait in many filmmakers today… even the "named" directors who started out small and are now making big budgeted movies. Matthew von Manahan's direction skills are so impressive that they are able to save the movie from the randomness that it appears to have by bringing out some fairly decent performances from his cast.

The cast do a nice job with their performances. Usually, with low-budget films, the film is full of actors that attempt to actor but end up doing a subpar job; but here, no one in the cast, a few of which have done mainstream films before (i.e. the late Paul Gleason and Mackenzie Firgens of Rent) seems to deliver a bad performance. Sure, the movie has a case of overacting in Jeff Berg's portrayal of the villainous Scar, but, to be honest with you, the performance is so over-the-top that it's hilarious and doesn't hinder the movie in any way what-so-ever.

The randomness of the film, which could probably be attributed to the writing, is basically the only thing that tarnishes it. There are numerous moments in the movie when things just happen. You never really know why they happen, they just do. It's kind of puzzling when these moments occur, but they are actually pretty funny… to the point that you just go with it and forget the fact that it was totally random in the first place.

When I first heard about the movie, I wasn't really expecting a whole lot out of it, but after seeing it, I can say that I was pleasantly surprised with The Book of Caleb had to offer. So much so that I actually look forward to von Manahan's film… hopefully it doesn't take him another six years to make one. Sadly though, I fear that not everyone will like the film as much as I, but hopefully I'm wrong.