Watch The Battle of Shaker Heights

The Battle of Shaker Heights is a coming-of-age dramedy set in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. The film was released in 2003 and was produced by Project Greenlight, a reality television show that aimed to give aspiring filmmakers a chance to make a movie with the help of established professionals. The movie centers around a high school student named Kelly Ernswiler, played by Shia LaBeouf. Kelly is a brilliant but socially awkward teenager who dreams of becoming a historical reenactor. He spends his time building and painting miniature models of World War II battles and studying military history. However, Kelly's obsession with war and violence makes him an outcast among his peers, and he often clashes with his father, a pacifist played by William Sadler.

Kelly's life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a popular and outgoing girl named Tabby Bowland, played by Amy Smart. Tabby is part of a group of rich, party-loving kids who represent everything Kelly despises. Despite their differences, Tabby takes a liking to Kelly, and the two become friends. With Tabby's help, Kelly starts to come out of his shell and confront his fears.

However, their friendship is tested when Kelly's best friend, Bart Bowland, played by Elden Henson, Tabby's twin brother, who is jealous of his sister's new relationship with Kelly. Bart is a hot-headed troublemaker who bullies Kelly and tries to ruin his friendship with Tabby. Kelly's obsession with war and violence leads him to come up with a plan to get revenge on Bart, which puts him and Tabby in danger.

The Battle of Shaker Heights is a quirky and charming movie that explores themes of acceptance, friendship, and personal growth. The film is directed by Kyle Rankin and Efram Potelle, who won the second season of Project Greenlight. Their direction is precise and playful, with a keen eye for detail and a good sense of humor. The script, written by Erica Beeney, has a lot of heart and is filled with witty one-liners and poignant moments. The performances are excellent, especially by LaBeouf, who delivers a nuanced and engaging portrayal of Kelly. Smart is also great as Tabby, bringing a sense of warmth and energy to her character. Henson is appropriately menacing as Bart, balancing his aggression with a hint of vulnerability.

The production design and cinematography of the movie are also impressive, capturing the mood and essence of the suburban setting. The film's soundtrack, which features indie rock bands such as The Shins and Spoon, is also noteworthy, contributing to the movie's overall hip and youthful vibe.

Overall, The Battle of Shaker Heights is a delightful and engaging movie that deserves more attention. It is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and a fine example of a coming-of-age story done right. Whether you're a fan of Shia LaBeouf, Amy Smart, or just looking for an entertaining movie to watch, The Battle of Shaker Heights is definitely worth checking out.

The Battle of Shaker Heights is a 2003 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 33.