A Reel Review: LEBANON, PA

For the subjective viewer, LEBANON, PA is a film that explores a tired old theme, drawing from past films such as GARDEN STATE, ELIZABETHTOWN and even JUNO. It’s a variation of the old “journey” theme; an estranged son (or daughter) comes home and re-discovers the meaning of life. But for the objective eye, LEBANON, PA manages to explore old territory in a new and refreshing light, while keeping the atmosphere comfortable and entertaining.

Will (Josh Hopkins) is a Philadelphia-based, 35 year old ad exec who loses his girlfriend and his father on the same day (and before the opening credits). He leaves the city for the rural town of Lebanon, Pa.; a community as far-removed from Philly as Mars. There, he befriends his 17 year old cousin CJ (Rachel Kitson), who confides her new pregnancy with him and considers abortion. Will also begins an affair with CJ’s schoolteacher Vicki (Samantha Mathis), as he ponders his suddenly foggy future.

Despite the seemingly crowded plot, everything in LEBANON, PA blends together very well. The film evolves from Will’s story to the journey of the rest of many characters, and while at first the many storylines feel intrusive, eventually things begin to make sense; everyone in this story is in search of life one way or another.

But what makes the overall narrative so unique is that it resists the temptation to go through the cliché routine of the estranged son reconnecting with his deceased parent. In fact, who the old man was is barely explored. The film instead focuses on the characters; and allows the death of Will’s father to serve as the purpose of bringing everyone together. The film also resists the urge to dwell too much on the city mouse stumbling his way through the land of the country mouse; Will is in a town where “Philly” is spat out like a swear word. Things here tend to develop naturally with strong writing and sharp, yet plain dialogue that never bogs things down.

Director Ben Hickernell dives right into the cultures of Philly and Lebanon, and gets everything right. Shot on location, Hickernell not only photographs the surroundings right, but also gets the little things that make them be, just right; his characters even know how to order a Yuengling the right way ;)

The characters are constantly thrown into ethical dilemmas, and every actor answers with real and warm performances. LEBANON, PA is a film about life, and despite the seemingly constant soul-searching, never turns into a preacher’s pulpit. LEBANON, PA is as smart as it gets.

BOTTOM LINE: See it