Watch Drop Back Ten

Drop Back Ten is a 2000 American independent drama film starring James Le Gros, Amber Valletta, and Desmond Harrington. Directed by Stacy Cochran, the film explores the lives of three young adults working in the tumultuous world of media. The movie is set against the backdrop of the 1996 Presidential campaign, and follows the intertwining lives of three protagonists: Tom Sanford (James Le Gros), a hotshot journalist who is assigned to cover the campaign in North Carolina; his ex-girlfriend, Rayne (Amber Valletta), a struggling movie production assistant who is juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet; and Aaron (Desmond Harrington), a film student who is trying to make his way into the industry.

The movie effortlessly moves between these three perspectives, with each character representing a different aspect of the media world. Tom is the aging, ambitious male journalist whose career is on the line, Rayne represents the underpaid, overworked and overqualified younger women trying to break into the industry, and Aaron is the young, idealistic newcomer trying to find his place.

The film explores the complexities of the media industry and how individuals navigate it in their professional and personal lives. The three protagonists deal with issues like ambition, love, relationships, power dynamics, and corruption as they try to navigate the world of politics and media.

As the film progresses, the stories of these three characters become intertwined in unexpected ways. Tom, who at first appears to be the central character, begins to fade into the background as Rayne and Aaron's stories gain momentum. Rayne and Aaron's narratives intersect as they both work on a film set in which the crew is mistreated and underpaid.

The film also explores themes of power dynamics and control. One particularly striking scene features Tom, who has grown increasingly disillusioned with his job, interacting with a group of young interns. The interns look up to Tom, but he sees them as merely extensions of the organization, reminding him of the futility of their labor and the toxic culture of the media industry.

Despite its exploration of complex themes, Drop Back Ten maintains a light and humorous tone throughout the film. Cochran deftly infuses a certain degree of wit and irony into the storyline, making for a compelling and entertaining experience.

The cinematography in the movie is also noteworthy. The film is shot in a handheld style, which lends a certain authenticity to the scenes. The use of natural lighting also gives the movie a very organic and realistic feel.

The characterizations in the film are excellent, with each actor playing their part brilliantly. James Le Gros is particularly impressive in his portrayal of Tom, bringing depth and nuance to his character. Valletta and Harrington are also great in their respective roles, with Valletta giving a powerful performance as the ambitious Rayne and Harrington bringing a youthful energy to Aaron's idealism.

In conclusion, Drop Back Ten is an excellent independent drama that provides an insightful perspective on the media industry. Its exploration of themes like ambition, relationships, and power dynamics is thought-provoking, yet its humorous and light tone makes for an entertaining and engaging movie. The film is a great watch for anyone interested in journalism, media, or just looking for an engaging and thought-provoking drama.

Drop Back Ten is a 2000 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.