The high school football team in ‘Downtown Owl’ is a mere shadow of its fictional counterpart, with a sparse number of players and an absence of extras to create the illusion of a functioning team. The same problem extends to classroom and hallway scenes, leaving the impression of a filmed stage play.
These unrealistic depictions, coupled with Rabe’s inconsistent and off-putting performance as Julia, cast doubt on the film’s identity and purpose. Julia’s actions evoke a sense of unease, making it difficult to fully engage with her character.
While the film introduces a diverse cast of characters, many serve as mere types or symbols, reducing their depth and relatability. Horace represents the moral conscience, Vance embodies heroism, and Mitch embodies sensitive youth. These simplistic characterizations limit the emotional impact of their stories.
A cringe-worthy subplot involving the football coach’s inappropriate relationship with a student further undermines the film’s credibility. Rabe’s performance exacerbates these flaws, making Julia an unlikeable and misguided individual. When she attempts to offer guidance, she is met with a valid question: ‘If I needed to talk to an adult, why would I talk to you?’
Despite strong performances from Harris and Hudgens, ‘Downtown Owl’ fails to find its footing due to its unrealistic setting, inconsistent character actions, and an underdeveloped identity. The film becomes an occasionally interesting but ultimately unsatisfying experience.
