User reviews

"Fubar" alert: this here ain't no "Fubar".

More like a prequel that dare not mention the name. Solo style, this is the story of Dean, the oldest looking high school stoner who can rock a bmx bike, heavy metal, slap shot, fanny pack, full moustache, and braces. Nostalgic like an ice-cream headache, this is 1989 in full mullet glory.

Not great movie making, but a classic for the Canadian headbanger hall of fame. Sappy and nerdy and sloppy and fun, "Deaner '89" is a giant popcorn, crammed theatre whooping kind of experience. Some well-meaning family drama drives the plot, but it stalls pretty quick. Thankfully the Deaner is on screen for the duration to guide the ship through rough waters. Balancing comedy with emotional turmoil is tricky, and while Paul Spence does an admirable job (actor, writer, producer) he can't quite pull off the "Fubar" mockumentary magic. And really, that was a one off that will likely remain untouched.

Still, there's an audience out there for this sort of Canuck goofiness, and they will surely be fully satiated. You know who you are.

• hipCRANK.

Anyone who gives this movie less than an 8/10 wasn't paying attention. As a Canadian who grew up in dead end towns I'm admittedly biased but I can authentically speak to the expertly curated set design and wardrobe choices in this film and they nailed it. Anyone else who has spent time in small town Canada will know Dean Murdochs' (Paul Spence) neighbourhood intimately (including the front yard junk piles and local sidewalk six-pack guy).

Going into Deaner '89 I was expecting to laugh at some dumb slapstick jokes and the beloved characters' riotous charm but I was surprised to be genuinely moved by the story. Without spoilers, this is a journey of self discovery and an example of what it takes to chase the dream when no one else wants you to. If you've ever felt trapped inside a box that the world demands you to be happy in, you'll resonate with Deans' experience. This Canadian indie film confronts some important, heavy themes with grace and tact.

The family dynamic of father figure Glen (Will Sasso), anxiously religious mother Mirna (Lauren Cochrane) and headstrong little sister Jen (Star Slade) is sweet and entertaining. Kitty (Mady Foley) is the perfect high school heartthrob and her Aunt May (Mary Walsh) is the metal mentor of my dreams. This movie truly has a lot to offer and the grade A (Eh) comedic performances and heavy metal spirit make up the juicy cherry on top of Deaner '89.

Deaner '89 is a very stupid movie, with a lot of really stupid 80s tropes done to perfection. And these lead to laugh out loud moments, but --- BUT ! - there is also some really sophisticated turns of phrase, scenes and shots that make the movie more than the sum of its parts.

I think if you have a family that's really cool about swearing this may be a perfect family film.

The heart of the film is Deaner exploring his hereto unknown his metis ancestry. It doesn't hit you over the head, but instead focused on the joy in finding community and how unfunny and stupid racism is. It makes it a perfect intro into some issues Canadian's don't really love talking about (coughsixtiesscoopcough), and could be a cool way to get someone thinking a little bit deeper, especially if they are the type that don't "get" land acknowledgements.

Oh also, it is very funny.

What a great 80's style movie. This is exactly how good movies were made in the 80's and 90's. It's got such a feel good vibe and also is funny as hell. I will be watching this over and over for many years. If you're a fan of the original Fubar movie or 80's style films then this movie is for you. It's got lots of great Canadian humor and also that 80's rock n roll vibe. The casting is also pretty spot on and all the actors and actresses do a great job. It's been awhile since we've had a great Canadian made film that will become an instant classic and will bring new fans into the Fubar world. Turn up the good and turn down the sick!!! WHOO!! GIVER!!

Deaner89 is not just a backstory for the governor of givin'r, it is a love letter to so many of the best things the late 80s gave us; all wrapped in a heartfelt story with deeply developed characters. Deaner89 stands on it's own as a story of growing up, finding your roots and grappling with who you thought you were and who you want to be. The cast is an unbelievable group of Canadian comedy Royalty (Sasso! Mary Walsh! Kevin MacDonald!) and newer stars (Star Slade!) who were each rich contributors to the story, not just recognizable names with cameos. Deaner89 delivered on the laughs I expected from the lovable metalhead we've come to know, but the movie is a 10/10 for me because it surprised and delighted at every turn from the deeply relatable teen angst moments for kids of anyy generation, to the incredible way the movie touched on some often much brushed over darker moments of Canada's past that continue to leave its legacy on countless families. Congratulations to Paul Spence, Sam McGlynn and the entire production team for giving us something nostalgic, meaningful and just plain fun. Go check it out while you can!