Down and Derby

[fgoodwin]

Down and Derby

 

http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0002121.cfm

 

Fast cars. Fierce rivalries. Industrial espionage. You'd be forgiven for thinking I'm talking about The Fast and the Furious 3. But the tricked out cars in Down and Derby aren't made of steel. They're small blocks of wood. And the racers aren't gangbangers or murderous thieves. They're Boy Scouts. More precisely, they're the Boy Scouts' dads.

 

Meet four ber-obsessed patriarchs who haven't matured a day since they were nine. Phil Davis. Ace Montana. Big Jimmy. Blaine Moosman. Spirited double-dog dares and "My dad can beat up your dad" insults have morphed into civic competitiveness and "My kid is better than your kid" aggressiveness. Phil in particular can't get over the fact that Ace has been the neighborhood hot shot for 25 years. He's determined to put an end to Ace's reign, even if he has to have his son do it for him.

 

And that brings us to the great Pinewood Derby. With so much at stake, none of the dads can bring themselves to let their boys actually make their own cars. (The rules state that they must.) That's a dad's job, they figure. And that fanatical desire to win almost costs these grown men everything they have. Marriages, careers and even dignity are put on the line in their quest for Derby glory.

 

Positive Elements

 

At least at some level, the entire film works as a reverse instruction manual for life. When the dads ignore and belittle their kids, it's clear that they're doing the wrong thing. When Phil puts his career on hold, you know he's not supposed to do that. And when three of the men get so crazy with the desire to win that they break into a neighbor's house to steal his "perfect" car, there's no doubt that the filmmakers want moviegoers to figure out that that's not appropriate behavior.

 

[spoiler Warning] When Phil's son, Brady, shows up at the Derby ready to race his own car (not the one Phil has spent 100 hours making), Phil has a choice to make. His wife, Kim, reminds him, "Sacrifice is when you give up something good for something better." Phil lets Brady race his own car, redeeming at least a portion of his maniacally self-centered behavior.

 

Sexual Content

 

Big Jimmy's nickname for his wife is "Love Chunks," which he calls her twice. In one scene, he ogles her backsideclad in tight pantsas she sashays into the kitchen. Another scene has her wearing a nightie covered partially by a robe. As she talks to Big Jimmy, all we see is her ample cleavage; her face is never visible.

 

While hiding in a closet, Phil fights the temptation to watch Ace's wife, Teri, disrobe (we see her from the shoulders up). When Teri gets in the shower, Blaine (who is also hiding) sees her through a window. Not exercising the restraint that Phil shows, Blaine pops his head up for another eyeful (no nudity is shown onscreen).

 

All four wives frequently wear chest-hugging tops and short skirts.

 

Violent Content

 

Ace's son, A.J., knocks Brady to the floor in a basketball game. A Derby racer plunges off the practice track over the Davis' bed and conks Kim on the noggin. Blaine falls out of a tree trying to climb off the Montanas' roof, and he wears a neck brace for the rest of the film. A cheating Derby dad is forcibly escorted from the premises.

 

Crude or Profane Languafe

 

Phil says of Ace's moniker, "It's the coolest d--n name I've ever heard."

 

Drug and Alcohol Content

 

None.

 

Other Negative Elements

 

These guys' win-at-all-costs mindset prompts them to tell lots of lies to their wives. It also prompts them to break Derby rules, and while doing so, they demean their sons. Big Jimmy says to his boy, "Winning Pinewood Derby cars are made by dadsthe big dogs. ... So what I need to know, little dog, is do you want to make your own car and take last place? Or do you want a big dog to make it and kick some butt?" Phil says to Brady, "Oh, we can build that car [brady's], but when you win the Most Cautious Driver Award, don't come crying to me."

 

Each father grows increasingly annoyed with his son's pestering to help. So the dads hand out cash to shoo them away. Eventually, the distracted dads bequeath their ATM cards to the eager youngsters, who promptly withdraw hundreds of dollars.

 

Phil, Blaine and Big Jimmy sneak into Ace's house to steal his car and "reverse engineer" it, then attempt to return the car.

 

Big Jimmy uses the phrase "kick butt" repeatedly. Blaine loudly passes gas twice.

 

Conclusion

 

Down and Derby is yet another take on the timeworn comedic tradition of over-the-top competition and dysfunctional families. It's not meant to be taken seriously. It's just supposed to be a good, clean, family diversion. After all, the film wants us to ask, who hasn't seen Dad lose perspective on what's important, especially if winning some sort of race or game is at stake? Eventually, he always comes around and sees the errors in his ways.

 

Why then does Down and Derby seem determined to fall on its face before it reaches the goal? The most obvious example of this oxymoronic behavior is the completely unnecessary sexual innuendo it includes. The ogling of female backsides and breasts should be restricted to Austin Powers movies, not larks about Boy Scouts. "Love Chunks"? Come on, that's a degrading nickname for a wifeand it feels especially so in a so-called family movie.

 

An even bigger concern (because it takes up so much of the movie's running time) is how relentlessly dads are caricatured as immature, selfish and out-of-control. I know, it's just a comedy. It's obviously not real, and that makes it all too easy to brush aside problematic family dynamics. Still, I wish the Down and Derby men had realized how important their boys and wives really are sooner than they did. They behave badly throughout and suffer virtually no consequences. (There are lots of "almost" punishments, but in the end everything works out just fine.) Phil makes a positive choice at the conclusion, but it comes with only a few seconds remaining on the game clock, and it's muddied by the free pass he's given when it comes to the irresponsibility he shows regarding his career.

 

In the end, even veteran actor Pat Morita's cameo appearance wasn't enough to win me over. Instead, it only reminded me of much better films (and TV shows) in the genre.

[seed]

Good Grief! I hope none of our boys were taken to see this movie. Why would BSA promote it? The Cubs are too young to be exposed to this kind of stuff. Who do I call to complain, and my I use your post?

[ScoutNut]

Keep in mind that this was ONE movie review, only ONE person's opinion.

 

BSA is not forcing Cubs to see the movie. The decision is strictly up to the families. I know a few families who went, took their kids, & enjoyed it a lot.

 

But, as one mom said to me, you really have to been through a PWD to appreciate the humor.

 

"An even bigger concern (because it takes up so much of the movie's running time) is how relentlessly dads are caricatured as immature, selfish and out-of-control."

 

It may be a BIT over the top, but the fact is (& the reason why it hits home for so many) is that in every Pack there is usually at LEAST ONE adult who goes crazy over the PWD!

 

 

[seed]

This part is what I don't like...

 

Big Jimmy's nickname for his wife is "Love Chunks," which he calls her twice. In one scene, he ogles her backsideclad in tight pantsas she sashays into the kitchen. Another scene has her wearing a nightie covered partially by a robe. As she talks to Big Jimmy, all we see is her ample cleavage; her face is never visible.

 

While hiding in a closet, Phil fights the temptation to watch Ace's wife, Teri, disrobe (we see her from the shoulders up). When Teri gets in the shower, Blaine (who is also hiding) sees her through a window. Not exercising the restraint that Phil shows, Blaine pops his head up for another eyeful (no nudity is shown onscreen).

 

All four wives frequently wear chest-hugging tops and short skirts.

 

I think cubs are a little young to be exposed to this type of movie. Yeah, I know it's a different world we live in today. But why? Because parents are lax and the children are not children anymore. That's why you see 11 and 12 year old girls dressed up like they're 21. I could type a page full, but I won't. It's infuriating to me, when women let themselves be degraded this way. It's just what I wouldn't want my sons to watch.

[ScoutNut]

Then don't take them to see it. But, you can't force your opinion on other families. It is up to them.

[fgoodwin]

I just got back from seeing the movie with my son (an 11-yo Tenderfoot). The "sexual content" in the actual movie isn't nearly as obvious as the review suggests.

 

The scene where one of the guys hides in a closet and supposedly ogles another man's wife is a very short scene and you see nothing that is inappropriate. In fact, all of the "suggestive" scenes are just that -- suggestive. There is no nudity, no sex, no overtly bad language, no violence -- nada.

 

I think the reviewers are overly sensitive, because my son thoroughly enjoyed the movie and all of the suggestive scenes went right over his head.

 

I won't spoil the ending -- but let's say its unexpected.

 

Take your boys -- you'll enjoy it -- I promise.

 

Fred G.

Alamo Area Council

[seed]

Don't worry. I respect the parents, and they would be deciding if their children see it, not me. They all know how I think anyway. ; ) We're a pretty tight group.

[fgoodwin]

By the way seed: welcome to the Forums.

[seed]

Thank you for the welcome!

 

Reading these forums has been very helpful, and entertaining too!

[fgoodwin]

Down and Derby Movie

 

http://www.scoutingdigest.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=446&Itemid=79

http://tinyurl.com/d7atm

 

John Stone: Executive Producer of Down and Derby

Profile of an Eagle Scout by Tim Kachinske

 

A Scouting Family

 

John Stone, the Executive Producer of Down and Derby, grew up in a family of eight children in northern California. John and his three brothers were active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and all four boys achieved Eagle.

 

His dad was an Eagle Scout who eventually received the Distinguished Eagle Award from Yosemite Council.

 

"Obviously my dad was an important influence," said John, when asked to recall how he got so involved in scouting. "But my Mom was an important influence on me as a scout even before I was old enough to join."

 

"Mom was a pack leader," said John. "I vividly remember seeing my mom lead pack activities in our home. I watched her run meetings and organize interesting activities when I was only four or five years old. I couldnt wait to join my older brother and his Cub Scout friends. I looked forward to doing all the things Cub Scouts do."

 

John considers Cub Scouts an important part of his development. "Cub Scouts opened the world to me in many ways," said John. "I remember being fascinated with activities. Once we used a candle to boil an egg in a tin can of water. For a young child, thats an incredible, hands-on learning experience."

 

Achieving Eagle

 

"As a scout, I was fortunate to participate in so many things," said John. "I did the Pinewood Derby, and our scout troop went camping often. I even went to Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill. My own boys are too young for scouting right now, but Ive served as scoutmaster and consider my sons future Cub Scouts."

 

Though modest when asked about his Eagle Scout project, John Stones work as a youth embodies the very best of the Eagle Scout ideal. His project focused on handicapped access in his communitys public buildings, and involved both assessing the need for improvement, and actually doing the work to make public buildings more accessible to people with physical disabilities.

 

"We took a good look at all the public buildings in our town. Some buildings had no access, and were totally out-of-bounds for someone in a wheel chair. Other buildings had access that could be improved. And, of course, some had pretty good access. When we finished our study, we focused on five buildings that had no access, or needed improved access."

 

But this Eagle project did more than study the situation. "We worked with the municipal authorities, both during our study, and when we decided on the five buildings that need the work most," said John. "We learned a lot about putting a plan to work. When it came time to actually work on the five buildings, we pitched in, helping to create forms and lay cement, and all the things you need to do."

 

Getting into Business

 

John Stones entry into filmmaking has its roots in education and technology. He formed an educational technology company called PowerSchool, which was eventually bought by Apple Computers. He spent several years working at Apple Computers.

 

"Working at Apple really opened my eyes to the world of filmmaking," said John. "Apple has always had a community conscience as a corporation. And Apple has led the way in creating affordable and accessible high technology for media and filmmaking. Because of Apple, you no longer need to have the huge technology budget of a major studio to make a quality film."

 

Making Quality Family Films

 

John Stone left Apple to venture into the world of feature film producing, and with a partner, he formed Stonehaven Media. His motivation to produce family films is steeped in the fast-paced world of technology, but is rooted in the values of a man with three young children. His aim is to produce features that entertain young children, teens and adults equally.

 

"Consider this analogy," said Stone. "I look at a good family film like a swimming pool. If you look around, you can see four-year-olds, teenagers and people in their forties all having a great time in the same pool. Of course, each age group will be enjoying themselves in different ways, but the pool appeals to all of them. For me, the ultimate successful family film appeals to these age groups in different ways, but pulls them all together to enjoy the same movie."

 

Family films these days can be good business. Major studios such as Disney and DreamWorks put out highly successful features. Most of these blockbuster successes are animated feature films. Live-action family films are mostly made by independent filmmakers. Today, many of these smaller-budget filmmakers rely on Apples technology. Television, DVD sales, and foreign theatre and television sales all comprise a significant market for the independent family filmmaker.

 

Making Down and Derby Happen

 

Down and Derby grew from idea to completed film very quickly. Greg Porter, Johns business partner, is a friend of Eric Hendershot, who over the past decade has written and directed a number of successful independent family films. Greg described Eric Hendershots latest film-writing project, and John invited Eric to come to his home in California to discuss the script of Down and Derby.

 

"When I heard about a movie about the Pinewood Derby, I thought the subject would resonate with a lot of people beyond just the boys who work on the project," John recalled. "When Eric Hendershot arrived, I was eager to get straight to the script," he added.

 

John asked Eric and Greg to join him, and they went into a room and shut the door. Eric Hendershot read his script aloud from beginning to end without a break.

 

"I liked Down and Derby," said John. "I knew that this was a film I wanted to see. And I felt sure that it would be a success. Im the sort of person who doesnt ruminate a lot. If I decide to do something, I decide pretty quickly, and then I do it," he added.

 

This script reading took place in June and over the next month John secured investors for the films production. Down and Derby was cast in July and by September the cast and crew met up in St. George, Utah to begin 21 days of filming, using the directors hometown as a film set.

 

Making Family Entertainment

 

John Stones philosophy about venturing into the film industry is both personal and professional.

 

"I wouldnt want to make R-rated films," he said. "Im interested in making films that I can see with my own young children. Of course, they wont always be so young. For me, the ultimate film appeals to young children, teens and adults. I believe we have that with Down and Derby."

 

 

ASD Interview: Adam Hicks

By Tim Kachinske

 

Adam Hicks plays Cub Scout Brady Davis in Down and Derby. His stage mother and father in the movie are played by Lauren Holly and Greg Germann. ASD talked to Adam Hicks to learn more about this young boy who has been called a "brilliant child actor."

 

ASD: Youre the child star of Down and Derby. How old are you and when did you decide to become an actor?

 

Adam Hicks: Well, Im twelve, and it all started when I saw Home Alone 3. I guess that was about six years ago. I saw that movie and I thought it was great. I told my mom I wanted to do what that kid was doing. I wanted to act. Mom said, "When youre 18 you can decide what you want to do. Maybe in high school you can take some acting classes to try it out." Well, I kept telling her I wanted to act.

 

ASD: So how did you get your break?

 

Adam Hicks: I listen to the radio a lot. We live in Las Vegas, and one day I heard that MGM was doing auditions here. I talked my mom and dad into taking me. It was a pretty big crowd. There were about 20 casting directors and 500 other people doing auditions. I was really lucky because 15 casting people liked me.

 

ASD: It sounds like you have more than luck on your side. Since Down and Derby was filmed, youve acted in another feature film (The 12 Dogs of Christmas). How did you develop your acting talent?

 

Adam Hicks: I like to watch people. Whether Im in-character on a movie set, or just in my normal life, I like to watch what people do. When I get a script, I read it, and try things out. Ill go over and over a scene, trying different things out. Its all based on what Ive watched.

 

ASD: Who are your favorite actors and what are your favorite films?

 

Adam Hicks: Thats a hard question. One movie I liked was A Beautiful Mind. Russell Crowe is awesome. And the movie had a really good story line with a big surprise at the end. You go through the movie thinking the people are real until the end when you realize theyre all in his mind.

 

ASD: What was it like to work with adult actors like Gregg Germann and Lauren Holly?

 

Adam Hicks: They were awesome. I was really worried. I kept asking myself, "How can I keep up with them?" I knew they were really good. I was pretty nervous about the movie before we started. But then I got to know them quickly. Really, on the first day of shooting we got to be friends. And they were helpful to me. I think I learned a lot just by watching them work up close.

 

ASD: What do you like to do when youre not in school or acting?

 

Adam Hicks: Well, I like all the things that go with scouting. I like to fish. I like to go camping. I love the outdoors. I play basketball in a league. On Saturdays, I go to dance practice. And on Sundays, I go to church.

 

ASD: Ballroom dancing, or ballet?

 

Adam Hicks: No, hip-hop. Its really cool.

 

 

ADS Interview: Perry Anzilotti

By Tim Kachinske

 

Actor Perry Anzilotti plays Big Jimmy, one of the Cub Scouts fathers, in Down and Derby. Over the past decade Anzilotti has appeared in many television series. The list is long, but heres a sample of Anzilottis appearances: ER, Providence, Grace Under Fire, Mad About You, Home Improvement, Seinfeld, Wings, Cheers, Coach, and CSI. American Scouting Digest talked to Anzilotti to learn more about the man who plays one of the funniest fathers to hit the screen in a long time.

 

ASD: How would you describe your role in Down and Derby?

 

Perry Anzilotti: I play Big Jimmy. Playing Big Jimmy was a riot. Hes the most physical dad in the movie. I dont want to step on the screenwriters toes here, but Big Jimmy is the boldest stroke on the canvas. I saw this as a wonderful role.

 

Big Jimmy is a supersizer of life. Hes not just one of those people who thinks bigger is better. Big Jimmy thinks biggest is always best. Biggest home, biggest SUV, biggest everything. He drives a monster truck, he drinks from a Big Gulp, he has a wife six feet tall, and his dog is a Great Dane. But Big Jimmys problem is that he never grew after he became five feet tall.

 

The reality is that size doesnt matter, because its whats inside that counts. And the Big Jimmy role is an interesting way to get to that truth.

 

ASD: How did you get this role?

 

Perry Anzilotti: I got a call from my agent, and I said Id read the script. When I got to page two, I started laughing out loud. By page three, I was hooked and had to read to the end. Reading a script is just like watching a good film or reading any good book. You really have to get hooked early on, and Down and Derby did that to me. I told my agent I wanted the role, and I was lucky, and got it. I didnt have to audition.

 

ASD: What was it like filming in St. George, Utah?

 

Perry Anzilotti: I enjoyed it. The location and set of Down and Derby points to one of the truly interesting things about independent films. Eric Hendershot, the director who lives in St. George, Utah, secured a cul-de-sac with several homes to shoot the home scenes. Our location was a slice of American life, and our set was comprised of real peoples homes. For an actor, thats a real interesting set. It was like being in a prototype for hometown America, but it was real. Its remarkable how these four or five homes were perfect for the film. Some houses were modest and some were large, and of course my home was biggest.

 

As soon as I arrived on set, everything seemed natural. I sat down in a makeup chair, and this tall, beautiful woman walked up to me and said, "I believe Im your wife." I said to myself, "Its getting better every minute here in St. George." It was the beautiful and talented actress Debra Ashton speaking to me. Really, with Debra and Danny Shepard, who plays my son, everything seemed organic and natural. Like me, theyre both very gregarious. We play the Scaldoni family. Were ethnic; were the spicy Italian family.

 

ASD: How did you prepare for this family role?

 

Perry Anzilotti: Well, Im from Chicago. I grew up in an Italian-Catholic family. We were eight children. Enough said?

 

ASD: How did you get into acting?

 

Perry Anzilotti: I went to college in my hometown. During my first semester at the University of Illinois-Chicago, I was in a play. I decided to major in theatre, and Ive been acting ever since. When I moved to Los Angeles, I felt I could use more training, and I got an M.F.A. in Theatre at the California Institute of Arts.

 

ASD: Whats your favorite movie?

 

Perry Anzilotti: I like a lot of movies, but if I were to pick one above all of them, I think it would be Frank Capras Its a Wonderful Life. This film has a universal theme about one mans struggle to find himself and seek a purpose to his life. People usually see this movie around the holidays, at the end of the year. This is such a spiritual time for people. Its a time to think about your life, and do some assessment. At least, thats how I feel about seeing this movie. Capra creates such a real and gentle world that every time I see the film I go to that place in my heart and think heavily about myself.

 

ASD: As a child, did you participate in Pinewood Derby?

 

Perry Anzilotti: No, but I have two eight-year-old godsons. Theyre twins, and theyre pretty spunky guys. Just last month I went to their Pinewood Derby. Their mom and dad are pack leaders. When we got there, it was just like walking on the racing set of Down and Derby. Its so funny to have real life mirror a movie youve just acted in. The boys had a great time for a while, but eventually they wanted me to take them outside to play on the monkey bars. Their mom and dad stayed back with all the other parents at the race to the end. Just like in Down and Derby. When it was all over, we took them home. The boys asked me to make a track for racing in their backyard. I built a makeshift ramp with some boards and cardboard. It wasnt anything fancy, but the boys had a blast racing all over again. I think that a lot of parents who see this film are going to see their own parents in it with a lot of good and gentle humor.