Watch Palo Alto

Palo Alto is a 2013 American drama movie directed by Gia Coppola. The film stars Emma Roberts, James Franco, and Jack Kilmer. It is an adaptation of Franco's short story collection of the same name, which portrays his experiences growing up in Palo Alto, California. The movie takes place in Palo Alto and explores the daily lives of a group of teenagers who face personal and social difficulties.

The movie Palo Alto opens with a group of teenagers hanging out at a house party on a Friday night. April (Emma Roberts) catches the eye of her soccer coach, Mr. B (James Franco). While she is hesitant at first, she eventually agrees to sneak out to his house to hang out. Meanwhile, Teddy (Jack Kilmer), a shy teenager who is struggling with depression, has a crush on April but is too scared to do anything about it. His best friend, Fred (Nat Wolff), is a troublemaker who constantly makes dumb decisions and is known for his violent outbursts.

As the movie progresses, we see the characters dealing with personal problems that only seem to escalate as they struggle to navigate through their teenage years. April, a budding artist, is constantly told by her peers and teachers that her art is not good enough, which discourages her from sharing her work with the world. She is also struggling with romantic feelings for Mr. B, which are further complicated by their age difference and his position of authority.

Teddy is dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts, and he eventually seeks help from his school counselor. However, his parents are more focused on their own problems and do not provide him with the support he needs. Fred, on the other hand, makes increasingly bad decisions, eventually leading to a tragic and violent incident that has repercussions for everyone involved.

The teenagers in Palo Alto are presented as complex and flawed individuals who are trying to make sense of the world around them. They are dealing with issues such as bullying, peer pressure, parental neglect, and romantic and sexual experimentation. The movie portrays these issues in a realistic and raw manner, without shying away from the darker aspects of teenage life.

One of the standout aspects of Palo Alto is its cinematography. The film showcases the beauty of Palo Alto, with its lush green forests and picturesque sunsets. The cinematography also captures the emotions and thoughts of the characters through intimate close-up shots and subtle camera movements.

The movie's soundtrack is also worth noting. It features indie rock artists such as Blood Orange, Devonté Hynes, and Mac DeMarco. The music adds an atmospheric quality to the film and complements the visuals perfectly.

The performances of the cast are another highlight of Palo Alto. Emma Roberts delivers a nuanced performance as April, portraying a delicate balance between vulnerability and strength. James Franco brings depth to his character despite only appearing in a handful of scenes. Jack Kilmer, in his feature film debut, delivers a heartfelt and raw performance as Teddy.

In conclusion, Palo Alto is a coming-of-age drama that delves into the challenges and complexities of teenage life. The film's realistic portrayal of its characters, their struggles, and their relationships make it a compelling watch. The performances, cinematography, and soundtrack all come together to create a visceral experience that captures the essence of growing up in Palo Alto.

Palo Alto is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 69.