Movie Review ~ Snack Shack

Can it be that it was only a week ago that I was at my keyboard explaining my surprising reaction to the sweet but raunchy Ricky Stanicky on Prime Video? That title has created a distinct divide between those that can laugh off the filth and see the message hidden between the boob and jerk-off jokes and others who toss it to the side for lacking a moral compass. While Snack Shack also draws comparisons to the fault lines evident in Ricky Stanicky, at the same time, it undoubtedly embraces the spirit of classic modern teen comedies like 1999’s American Pie and Superbad from 2007.

These films celebrate adolescence’s awkwardness and hormonal tumult, infusing crude humor with genuine heart and relatable characters. Similarly, Snack Shack combines outrageous hijinks with surprisingly poignant and relatable moments of self-discovery, striking a balance that sets it apart from its predecessors. Written and directed by Adam Rehmeier, who based the film loosely on his teen years, the film navigates the charmingly ordinary world of young adulthood with a sensitivity that suggests wisdom beyond its years.

In the sweltering Nebraska summer, best friends A.J. (Conor Sherry) and Moose (Gabriel LaBelle, The Fabelmans) are infamous for their antics and get-rich-quick schemes. Whether sneaking away from a high school field trip to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to go to the track and bet on races or selling their homemade beer at a weekend party, the duo is joined at the hip and share the blame for their transgressions. In a stroke of genius, they combine their money and win a petition to run the snack shack at the public pool for the summer.

Dreams of summer fun and mega profit are put on hold when the friends fall for the same girl, Brooke (Mika Abdalla), who lives next door to A.J. and works as a lifeguard mere steps away from their business. With their attention diverted to impressing Brooke, their long-standing friendship and business partnership begin to come undone until an all-out cold war breaks out. However, a dose of reality delivered with pathos brings everyone, the boys and their families, a newfound perspective that will alter the course of the summer and their lives forever.

It takes a bit of time, and you’ll have to take my word for it that it does get there, but eventually, Snack Shack cleverly changes course off the familiar path of juvenile teen comedy onto a more expansive and meaningful trail. A sensitivity enters the picture I wasn’t expecting, elevating the movie beyond the conventional and making it far more complex than you’d been led to believe up until that point. Rehmeier’s script directs us through these tonal shifts with care, transitioning from uproarious comedy to tender moments of self-reflection. Having traveled to Nebraska quite recently, I can vouch that the cinematography by Jean-Philippe Bernier (Summer of 84) captures the essence of a Nebraska summer beautifully, soaking the film in a warm glow that perfectly complements the story’s nostalgic tone.

A considerable part of the film’s success is the impeccable chemistry between Sherry and LaBelle. Their portrayal of the two best friends captures the essence of adolescent male friendship, complete with all its absurd loyalties and silly offenses. I was worried early on that an abundance of meaningless foul language would push Sherry and especially LaBelle to be overly obnoxious nightmares. Still, Rehmeier magically knows when to ease back and let his characters (I wonder which one represents himself more fully) become more nuanced. LaBelle was a hot item after playing a stand-in for Steven Spielberg in The Fabelmans and does a complete 180 shift in role, primarily to good effect. Sherry is the critical component here, and he’s outstanding – almost as remarkable dramatically as his pratfall stunt down a flight of stairs. (Where is the blooper reel for the film?? Missed opportunity!)

In supporting roles, Abdalla potentially has too much bite at the outset as an object of affection that won’t be objectified, but kudos to all involved for not taking the expected route with this character. I also have to toss a shout out to a solid Nick Robinson (Damsel) as an older voice of reason for the two boys and Gillian Vigman (Walk of Shame), playing A.J.’s auctioneer mother who gets to show off her skills to hysterical results.

An enjoyably retro entry in the coming-of-age genre, Snack Shack revels in its raunchy humor but still takes time to explore the depths of friendship and the pain of growing up. It’s a savory dive into the past that will resonate with audiences who just got their driver’s license or their parents who remember the summer they got theirs.