Film Review: ROUNDING FIRST

ROUNDING FIRST
Film Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

A film Premier and DVD Release Party was held on Sunday October 1st at the Emmaus Theatre in Emmaus, PA for the film entitled, “Rounding First.” This original film was directed, written, and produced by Jim Fleigner who came from Santa Monica, CA to share the viewing and answer questions regarding the film and its future. It was an enjoyable experience to meet everyone involved in the production.

I’ve recently heard something attributed to Pete Townsend while he was working with people involved in the Broadway production of “Tommy.” He said that it didn’t matter if the musicians got all the notes right or the singers got the tune or words right. What mattered was they all do the show with their heart. The film, “Rounding First” and the entire event brought my mind to this statement while I watched the film.

The film takes place during the summer of 1980 in the Emmaus, PA and surrounding areas. It tells of the adventures three twelve year old boys (Eugene “Tiger“ Pierce, Jr. played by Matt Borish, Joe Koerner played by Soren Fulton, and Chris Corwin played by Sam Semenza) have once they discovered some of their parent went to Philadelphia while they were away at baseball camp. Their adventures include meeting a man known as Rascal (played by Michael Dean who involves them in a robbery. However, he also teaches them some life lessons as he drives the toward their destination. Once there, the three boys uncover the secret Joe’s and “Tiger” parents were keeping which leads to a deeper relationship between them all. Other cast members (most of who are native to the area) include John Michael Bolger as Gene, Deborah Lee Johnson as Martha, Michael E. Knight as John, and Scott Lawrence as the Judge.

The film did have many flaws. There was a lack of realism in much of the story and the acting was somewhat mediocre at times. I often wondered why the characters were doing what they were doing and saying what they were saying. The acting sounded scripted and some of it looked as if it were a staged performance. Of course, all films are scripted and staged, but it shouldn’t seem so obvious to the audience. However, like Pete Townsend supposedly had said, these factors doesn’t really matter since the film was made with a desire to tell a story and to enhance the lives of its audience. It did this through giving us a glimpse into the lives of its characters and what they felt for one another.

In spite of the film’s many flaws, I would encourage those who wish to support original films made locally by visiting their website at www.roundingfirst.com.