One of the great joys of film criticism for me over the past 35+ years has been being along on the ride with filmmakers from their first film onward, watching their progression as filmmakers. And although less frequent, it is as equally enjoyable to look back on early works of established filmmakers and see if they have grown or learned anything over the years. While in some cases, they have not, with filmmaking brothers Charley Parlapanides and Vlas Parlapanides that is definitely not the case. The first work of the Brothers Parlapanides that I encountered was Immortals, written by Charley and Vlas and directed by visionary director Tarsem Singh. Steeped in the history of the gods and ancient Greece, the Parlapanides Greek heritage comes shining through not only in the story and characters but in the visuals. While each has had other works since Immortals, they came together again as writers and producers for the new Netflix hit animated (graphic novel) series Blood of Zeus. In a word, the series is brilliant; not to mention exciting, adventuresome, and beyond engaging in the mythologic world of the Greek gods.
I recently journeyed back in time to their very first film, EVERYTHING FOR A REASON. Written and directed by Vlas, with Charley producing and acting, the film screened at the 2000 AFI Fest. Despite the passage of a decade, the story of family and brotherhood set and shot down at the Jersey Shore, stands the test of time, and is an absolute charmer. Heart, humor, the Jersey Shore, and plenty of local Jersey/Philly touchstones fill the screen and show the potential for Charley and Vlas Parlapanides as storytellers and filmmakers; potential which they are more fulfilling.
Jersey and Philly localites will embrace this semi-autobiographical story of 20-something wannabe screenwriter Manny Papadopoulos who lives with his parents in the Greek-American community at the Jersey Shore. While Manny adores local girl Eve and hopes for a more physical relationship with her, much of his time is spent with his brother Anthony (played by Charley Parlapanides), and the guys, Teddy and Mike, the latter two who have more woman troubles than you can shake a stick at. And of course, there is always the wisdom of Manny and Anthony’s very Greek mom to keep everyone in line.
The love story between Manny and Eve is beyond sweet and resonates with authenticity, anchoring the film in family and culture, while the antics of Teddy and Mike, along with locals Jenny, Joanne, Christine, and Wendy keep the laughs and the pacing flowing.
Capitalizing on pop culture and the fashion, music, hair, and slang of the day, as screenwriter and director, Vlas leaves no stone unturned while the cast truly embraces physical comedy throughout the film. comedy reigns supreme. But it’s the touchstones native to both the shore and the Greek culture that will make your heart smile. I know it did mine every time someone mentions going to “the Shop-Rite” (grocery store). Most of us would just say “Shop-Rite” or store, but very specific to the immigrants in the region, my German grandmother and her Italian neighbors included, adding that “the” in front of it stirs warm memories.
The music, both Spiros Exaras ethnic score and the Top 40 needle drops of the 90s, are telling and culturally and period perfect. The combination serves as a lovely subtextual cultural meld.
When it comes to performances, Dominic Comperatore is terrific as Manny, as is Erin Neill who really finds her footing as Eve in the third act. Mina Manantee is perfection as Mrs. Papadopoulos. Truly enjoyable is what Tiffany Shepis brings to the character of Joanne. As for Charley Parlapanides as Anthony, he has the smart aleck brother role down pat.
Although we never go deep with emotion and everything is kept rather light and bright tonally like the shore vibe, every character in EVERYTHING FOR A REASON is sufficiently fleshed out and identifiable with character traits – some more than others, as it should be, lending to layering and subplots.
John Crawford’s lensing is unremarkable but for a few shaky cam moments. However, when actually on the white Jersey beaches, a few more shots of the sand and the Atlantic would be welcome.
One big issue, however, comes with a wedding scene that takes us totally out of the friends vibe and feels very non sequitur, like a different film a la “Saturday Night Fever.” Eliminating that one scene would make the film tighter and cleaner without losing any of the “Grease” Danny and Sandy summer love vibe that is fun, welcoming, and youthful.
Written and Directed by Vlas Parlapanides
Cast: Dominic Comperatore, Erin Neill, Hogan Gorman, Matthew Aibel, Tiffany Shepis, Mina Manantee, Charley Parlapanides
by debbie elias, 03/19/2021
