HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MAKE MOVIE

It may not be an Oscar contender, but JHS students led by Nick Murphy have completed a movie on video for the local public.

"Why be Normal?" is available at Super Video Warehouse. The movie has been available since the end of October.

The two copies of the movie available for rent have been rented a total of 31 times, according to Patti McCallister, sales clerk at Super Video.

The movie was written and directed by Murphy who also plays the lead character whose name just happens to be Murph in the movie.

Murph introduces his friends and spends a Saturday visiting his friends trying to set up a meeting at the video store later on.

Trace Webster, David Allstun, Patrick Siebert, Adam Koehler, Beth Lefebvre, Marc Stephens, Andy Dodson, Amanda Webb and Shawn "Guido" Ackman co-star in the video.

Murph's friends all have serious issues they need to work out before they can fulfill their dream. Trace wants to be a professional hit man, but he has a problem with blood. David wants to be the world's greatest computer cracker, but he's computer illiterate.

The movie was shot on VHS and no editing equipment was used, save the camera and another VCR. The movie was shot in letter box format, for that wide-screen effect.

Adult language is used throughout the movie, so this isn't a family movie. And at times the characters are just a bit disturbing.

The plot isn't always apparent and at times the use of home video equipment does get in the way.

Perhaps the strongest performance was turned in by Siebert whose character, Pat, wants to be a professional wrestler.

Murphy seems comfortable with his role throughout the movie. He also delivers, in my opinion, the movie's funniest line.

The story and the production value are what is lacking the most from this video.

But with a little work these fledgling film makers could be on to something.

The individualism and originality shown by these young movie makers is something to be applauded. More people should work toward their dreams as these students have.

Murphy said he plans to go back to Hollywood after he graduates. He was in Hollywood for a brief time before where he got a taste of show business.

Well, follow your dreams and seize the moment and you won't have any regrets.

Down play your dreams and let the moment slip into history and one day you'll wake up and wonder where you've been all those years.