Watch Rites of Passage

Rites of Passage is a coming-of-age drama released in 1999, directed by Victor Salva, the man behind the cult classic, Jeepers Creepers. The movie follows the story of two college roommates, Benny (Jason Behr) and Frank (Dean Stockwell), who embark on a road trip across the Southwest to find themselves and, in the process, discover the dark side of human behavior.

The movie starts with Benny, a sensitive, introspective student, who is struggling to find his feet in college. His roommate, Frank, a grizzled, world-weary veteran with a penchant for drugs and booze, takes Benny under his wing and decides to show him the ropes of life. Frank, also an aspiring writer, plans to write a book about their trip and wants Benny to be his subject.

As they set out on their journey, they meet a series of eccentric and mysterious characters, including a group of bikers, a snake-charming gypsy, and a seductive psychic, each with their secrets and motives. These encounters challenge the duo's beliefs and ideology, and they begin to wonder if the world has always been as dark and twisted as they see it now.

The central theme of the movie is the idea of coming-of-age, and how it can be a difficult and painful process, especially in the face of the harsh realities of life. The characters in the film are all dealing with their own demons, and each has to face their own problems to grow and mature.

Jason Behr does an excellent job in his portrayal of Benny. He brings a sense of vulnerability and naivety to the character, which makes him relatable and sympathetic to the audience. Dean Stockwell, in contrast, is the perfect counterbalance as the jaded, cynical Frank, whose experiences have made him bitter and world-weary.

James Remar plays a pivotal role in the movie as a drug dealer who has a bone to pick with Frank. His character appears at the right points in the movie to add tension and suspense to the plot.

The cinematography in Rites of Passage is breathtaking. The movie was shot across some of the most scenic and picturesque locations in the Southwest, and the stunning visuals amplify the movie's central themes. The use of colors, shadows, and framing create a perfect visual accompaniment to the movie's narrative.

The movie's soundtrack is another highlight. The music, composed by Bennett Salvay, perfectly captures the mood of the movie, creating an eerie and unsettling ambience that adds to the movie's themes of disillusionment and confusion.

Overall, Rites of Passage is an engrossing and atmospheric movie that tackles some of life's most challenging questions. The movie's themes of identity, disillusionment, and morality feel very relevant, even after two decades since its release. The performances of the main cast, the stunning visuals, and the haunting soundtrack all come together to create a movie that is as thoughtful as it is entertaining. If you are a fan of coming-of-age dramas, road trips, or movies that explore the darker side of life, Rites of Passage is definitely worth a watch.

Rites of Passage is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.