Call Sign Romeo had its big screen premier tonight and it is a very nice film that the whole family can enjoy. The movie, produced and filmed on the Outer Banks has a definite home town feel to it, but the message of the movie is much broader than that.
According to Executive Producer Sam Cortez, who cowrote the script with local actor Stuart Parks, many of the events of the movie happened in real life, and that played a role in giving the movie a feeling that what was playing out on screen had a very real feel to it.
But more than that, it was how well drawn the characters were. Chris Torres is a high school senior—an elite wrestler who is hoping to ride that skill into an appointment to the Naval Academy. Portrayed by Chris Ana, what he brings to the movie is some extraordinary athleticism, real high school wrestling experience, and a delivery that makes the audience believe he is really a high school senior.
He is at times self-absorbed and can be selfish, but he is also learning more about himself and what he feels about his priorities and why. The script creates a very believable story development as he comes to see himself in a different light.
John Wilson who played wrestling Coach Helvin was particularly effective. Anyone who has ever been in high school athletics with a coach pushes and pushes because what they want is their athletes to understand how good they can be, will recognize what he is doing.
We do have to mention the soundtrack. Almost entirely comprised of music from Outer Banks bands and musicians it was excellent.
Anyone who has lived on the Outer Banks or visited, will certainly have no problem knowing where every scene was filmed. Kind of fun to see that.
Was this a slick Hollywood production? No. Was it a thoroughly enjoyable movie? Absolutely and we have no problem recommending it.
The movie is rated PG13. “Thematic elements and language,” Cortez told the Outer Banks Voice. Far be it from us to disagree with the rating experts, but this is truly a movie the whole family can enjoy that ultimately has a very positive message.
There are surprises always happening on the Outer Banks. Stop by and be surprised at just how wonderful our sandbar by the sea is when you stay in a Brindley Beach Vacations home.