Watch Bindlestiffs

Bindlestiffs is a 2012 American comedy-drama movie directed by Andrew Edison. It follows the story of three high school seniors, while on a field trip, who plan to make a mark for themselves by creating a senior prank that will stick in the minds of their peers well after they graduate. The three friends, John (played by John Karna), Ben (played by Luke Loftin), and Colin (played by Andrew Edison), are bored with the mundanity of everyday high school life, and they want to do something that will leave a long-lasting impression. With the help of the high school janitor, they come up with a plan to steal the school's prized possession, a bronze statue of the school's founder. The three friends turn out to be 'Bindlestiffs', which is the name given to homeless migrant workers who carry their belongings around with them in a bundle.

The film takes an unconventional approach to storytelling, divided into three distinct chapters, with each chapter narrated by a different character. Each character's narration provides a unique perspective to the events unfolding on screen. The movie explores the journey of the three teens as they come of age, figuring out who they are and what they want to be. The narrative of the film is a mix of comedy and drama, providing a lighter tone to the heavier issues that the movie addresses.

The first chapter is focused on John, a socially anxious young man who is trying to navigate the complicated world of high school. John is the one who comes up with the senior prank, and it is his idea that sets the tone for the rest of the film. John's chapter provides insight into the challenges of fitting in and his struggle to break out of his shell.

The second chapter of the movie is narrated by Ben, who is the most reckless of the three friends. Ben's narration shines a light on the carefree nature of youth and the consequences that come with it. Ben is the one who is most enthusiastic about the prank, and he persuades his friends to follow through with it. Ben's character provides an exploration of teenage rebellion and the unique challenges that come with trying to forge a new path.

The final chapter is narrated by Colin, and it serves as the conclusion of the story. Colin is the most level-headed of the trio, and his narration provides a calming voice amidst the chaos. His character reflects the notion that maturity comes with age and experience. Colin is the one who steps up to the task of fixing things when the prank goes awry, and his character provides a sense of resolution to the story.

Bindlestiffs showcases the difficulty of navigating the world of high school and coming of age. The film does not shy away from the harsh realities of teenage life, such as bullying, anxiety, social isolation, and mental health. However, do not think for a second that the movie is all doom and gloom. Humor is used throughout the film as a way of providing relief and allowing the audience to see the lighter side of life.

The film's biggest strengths are its characters and their relationships. The trio's chemistry is fantastic, and their conversations feel genuine and realistic. The movie's dialogue is witty and charming, and the humor feels natural and not forced. Bindlestiffs uses its characters to convey a message of acceptance and understanding, with each character undergoing their unique journey of self-discovery.

In conclusion, Bindlestiffs is a coming-of-age film that explores the challenges of youth and the friendship that helps overcome them. The film does an excellent job of balancing lighthearted humor and serious topics, making it an enjoyable watch for both teenagers and adults. The narrative structure adds another layer to the story, and the diverse perspectives help to create a well-rounded and compelling film. It is a hidden gem of a movie that deserves a watch.

Bindlestiffs is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.5.