Directed by Matt Pizzolo
Review by David Carter


Released by Kings Mob
Running Time: 90 minutes
Rating: NR
Color format: Color & B&W mix
Audio/Subtitles: 2.0 Stereo English
Region Code: 1, NTSC
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen
16:9 Enhanced: No
Special Features: Fundraising Promos, News story clips, Alternate takes, Deleted scenes, Behind the scenes footage, two feature length alternate soundtrack mixes by Alec Empire & Enduser
Trailer Online: Yes

With the advent of rock and roll, young people had an artistic medium through which to express themselves. Rock gradually moved away from its teenybopper roots, though, mutating and giving rise to diverse subgenres such as hip-hop, punk, and various others. Though music remains the most popular form of expression for young people, many are beginning to explore the possibilities of other art forms, including film. THREAT is a new independently produced feature made by a group of filmmakers in their twenties. It gives a glimpse into the struggles of several different groups of youths with the same in-your-face ferocity as the music.

THREAT deals with the lives of several characters, but the unifying thread among them is their connection to Jim. Jim is homeless and a member of the hardcore straightedge scene. Jim works at a comic shop with Fred, a philosophical black man trying to make the world a better place for his son. The two have formed a friendship despite their many differences, however, and spend a lot of their time learning about the other's culture and point of view. Jim's straightedge friends take their beliefs to the extreme and form a gang, attacking any drunken person they see. When Jim innocently invites Fred and his friends to come to a straightedge show with him, things take a very dark turn as the two groups' meeting will change them all forever.

While the cover art points out the similarities between THREAT and KIDS, the film has an even stronger kinship with Spike Lee's DO THE RIGHT THING. THREAT is both shocking and violent, but its strength comes from the ideas that it presents rather than its shock value. Each character represents a viewpoint present in youth culture today. Jim and Fred's positivity is inversely reflected in Marco and Desmond's negativity. The film carefully shows how each attitude is a reaction to the culture around it. The characters are trapped in a prison of their own making, and the finale sees Jim attempting to break free once and for all.

Though released through its small production company, THREAT has a high-quality DVD presentation. The film is presented in widescreen and offers viewers a choice of three feature length soundtrack mixes. Also included is a look behind the scenes of the long process of making the film. Especially interesting are the alternate takes and deleted scenes. Each gives a little more insight into the filmmaker's original visions for the film.

THREAT is a great example of how a film can explore youth culture without diluting it or exploiting it for shock value. On top of that, it is an amazingly well done film for a group of such young and relatively inexperienced filmmakers. At first glance, the film may seem inaccessible to people outside of the subcultures portrayed in the film. This is not this case, however. Though they may lead a different life than you, the characters are undeniably human and have problems and emotions than anyone will relate to.