Here at Burncards, we’ve talked a little bit lately about cinematic portrayals of life in Reno.  Actually, “talked” is a bit of a generous term – mostly what we’ve done is to whine incessantly about what the upcoming film The Motel Life will say about Reno to anyone who watches it.

All the while, another movie has been lurking in the background, waiting for its DVD release date of April 3, and that movie is The Waterhole, directed by Ely Mennin.  What’s The Waterhole?  It’s a movie set in Reno largely at Corrigan’s Bit O’ Ireland on Wells Ave, and follows a group of 20-something drunkards through the transitional phase in their lives, as they cast off the bonds of second adolescence.

Jade Carter as Jim and Patrick J. Adams as Miller in The Waterhole

A good number of reviews are already on the internet and one very charming Q&A session with the film’s writer, Nathan Cole.  In short, this is a movie about actual Reno people in Reno.  It’s based on some experiences that Cole himself actually had.

Here’s what happens:  Miller (Patrick J. Adams), Jim (Jade Carter) and Murphy (Matt Stasi) are three friends.  Miller’s a pedantic, over philosophizing asshole, who we eventually discover has a good heart.  Jim is a preppy working on figuring out how he can stamp his card to get all the various prizes on his chosen route through the theme park known as life, and Murphy operates the concession stand.

Zoom in on Miller, who we learn is not in a happy relationship with his girlfriend Ashley (Rebecca Mozo) or himself, for that matter.  We follow Miller as his relationship ends and his roommate situation with Jim comes to a close, all the while the trio drinks a ton and their recovering alcoholic friend Cracker (Joey Klein) shows up.

Miller has the best developed character, though his background doesn’t shine through.  He’s a student, but we have no idea what he’s majoring in.  Hanging out at the bar and working at Recycled Records seem to be his main MO.  Around halfway into the movie, he starts lashing out verbally against the constraining conditions he finds in Reno… and his character goes very Reno, very fast.  It doesn’t matter what he’s supposed to be doing with his life.  What matters is that his life isn’t going anywhere near where he wants it to.

The acting is solid.  The dialogue at times feels like it’s about to go on too long, but the scenes are all cut very well and the actors do have good material to work with.  Adams turns in a solid lead performance.  His real power comes through his facial expressions.  One moment in particular, the scene in the bar where the dice game is interrupted, shows this off well.  Carter, Stasi and Mozo turn in convincing performances in their supporting roles.

A lot has already been written about Klein’s performance as Cracker.  It’s impressive how well Klein brings unhinged to the screen in such a controlled manner.  Wynter Kullman, in the part of a one night stand, also turns in an extraordinary performance.

Let’s talk about another character in this movie:  Reno.  Not since Charley Varrick has Reno shown up in a movie as much more than a collection of tumbleweeds, motels and generic looking casinos.  A lot of the action in this movie happens driving around town, and the filmmakers took the opportunity to work in some awesome location shots:  the city skyline at night from the Wells Ave Bridge.  The city lights from a mountainside.  The actual inside of actual Recycled Records.  Just the footage of Wells Ave and California Avenue make this a movie that lives comfortably in and with the character of Reno.  It’s refreshing.

Location Shot from The Waterhole

Music on the soundtrack comes from sources such as Roddy Bottum and Richmond Fontaine and fits the movie very well.

Some of the shots are too dark – too dark for whatever camera setup the crew was using or whatever mastering technology the DVD factory uses.  Many scenes feel a bit washed out.  In some cases this actually works pretty well – a smoky sense is evoked that seems to scream “Reno”.

The audio commentary on this film is a good look at the technical side of making a movie like this and it’s been fun to watch the production company, KR7, go through a two year long process from getting this movie known to getting it released on DVD where it can be ordered from Amazon.

We have a winner with The Waterhole.  This is good film.  Do watch it.