What can a high school yearbook tell you? To the finders of the 1990 Chico High School yearbook, they think it says a lot. In fact, they think the 1990 graduating class is the coolest class ever. So cool that they are compelled to drive the 500 miles from their hometown of Portland, Oregon to Chico, California to crash the 20 year reunion.
Twentysomethings Michael, Clay, Andrew and Sam came upon the yearbook at a Value Village in 2006. They have spent the last four years poring over its pages and have created histories and personalities for the names and faces in it. There is Thomas Urbanowicsz who was involved in almost every club and was clearly a mover and shaker. There is Brenna Hedrick with her short, punky haircut–she must have been a rebel. There is all-American Kevin Burke who was probably the most popular boy. There are hotties, too, like Dawn Cottingim and Suzie Rowell. But the one who draws them the most is Timothy Truelove. Good-looking with a glint in his eye and a smirk on his lips, they feel they must find Truelove.
Carefully calculating their costs, they patch up Michael’s 1988 Econoline shuttle bus, load it up with hot dogs and a BBQ, and start their 2-day journey to Chico. Along the way, they pick up hitchhiker Bruce, visit a wildlife park, camp out by the ocean and meet and make friends wherever they stop. They arrive in Chico in time for the reunion’s first event, a casual night at a local bar. What happens next will require you to watch the film.
Mild-mannered but gregarious, Michael, Clay, Andrew and Sam have a lively sense of fun. Inquisitive, open-minded and, at times, surprisingly thoughtful, their enthusiasm is infectious. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with these guys? Running at 68 minutes, this well-edited film will leave a smile on your face.
Screenings:
Mon, Apr 30 11:30 PM, Bloor Hot Docs Cinema
Tue, May 1 9:15 PM, Cumberland 3
Sun, May 6 6:45 PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 4
For more information about Hot Docs: www.hotdocs.ca
