Backseat (2008)

Once in a while, a movie inspires nothing more than complete apathy. Backseat is such a lackluster work.

Backseat satisfies itself with small observations and minor breakthroughs of self-awareness.

Alexander's script considers context anathema, leaving us to wonder, among other puzzlers, why these two jerks are friends to begin with – and, perhaps, on what bad breakup or neglected childhood one may blame the film's dispiriting misanthropy.

To be sure, slapstick misadventures ensue, but there’s a sweetness and vulnerability beneath the surface of the boys’ sometimes-blue bantering.

Anyone who's spent a lot of time at independent-film festivals will feel a familiar sinking feeling within the first 10 minutes of Backseat.