Cast
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Debby Ryan
as Tara
Sarena Parmar
as Audrey
Adam DiMarco
as Gavin
Atticus Mitchell
as Gabe
Merritt Patterson
as Stacy
Allie Bertram
as Kim
Iain Belcher
as Barry
Rowen Kahn
as Larry
Nancy Robertson
as Principal Moreno
Martin Cummins
as Rob
April Telek
as Delilah
Mercedes de la Zerda
as Cami Q
Brenda Crichlow
as Mrs. Brower
Keith MacKechnie
as Janitor Margowsky
Chanelle Peloso
as Neckbrace Girl
Crew
Director
- Peter Howitt
Writer
- Jessica Scott
- Erik Patterson
- Peter Howitt
- Danielle Joseph
Producer
- Kim Arnott
Reviews
Kamurai
Decent watch, probably won't watch again, and can't recommend.
I'm honestly not a big fan of Debby Ryan, though she definitely can own a role, and I'll even admit she basically carries this movie. Because I'm not a particular fan of her flavor, it may have affected my view of the movie though.
I'm very into her character of a high school ghost, shadowing as an airwaves vigilante though. The weirdness of being a "rebel" though is the company sponsorship angle. It allows for mechanical parts of the story, but feels a little antithetical.
The more interesting angle is the witch hunt for Radio Rebel: it takes some interesting turns, but ultimately lands in the predictable results.
It's a good enough watch, it's just nothing special.
Sep 20, 2020
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Radio Rebel examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Peter Howitt brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Radio Rebel took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 117 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2012, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Radio Rebel shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Prayers for Bobby, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Radio Rebel offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Barbie Diaries and Eddie and the Cruisers explore similar territory, Radio Rebel stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 9, 2012
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
