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Poster for Vacationland

Vacationland

2006 · 1h 44m Drama
Directed by Todd Verow

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Overview

Filmmaker Todd Verow revisits his own youth in this film. The film's main character is Joe, who, like the director, grew up in Bangor in Maine. Joe, an 18 year old high school senior who longs to move away from poor white trash roots and this town, and dreams of attending art school, lives with his single mother and older sister Theresa on a notorious council estate called "Capehart Projects". Molested at the age of ten, Joe nevertheless decides to keep the incident to himself. He befriends an elderly disabled artist named Victor who hires him as houseboy/model. Joe moves in with Victor in his loft above the local opera house, hoping to escape Bangor with his help. He also works part time at a local market along with his sister, who wants to get out of town as much as he does. For most of high school, Joe has also had a crush on his best friend, Andrew, who plays on the high school football team.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
Rotten

The autobiographical script meanders and the acting never solidifies. Besides, the leads look too old to be in high school -- maybe even college.

V.A. Musetto, New York Post
Rotten

A generic coming-of-age movie whose arrival on the scene suggests that the audience for gay indie clunkers is inexhaustible.

Nathan Lee, New York Times
Rotten

... Todd Verow's overstuffed Vacationland promises more than it delivers in just about every sense.

Joshua Land, Village Voice
Rotten

Vacationland remains marred by sluggish script and Verow's inability to either direct actors or cast ones whose thesping ability matches their good looks.

Leslie Felperin, Variety

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