I've seen people hound down this film, trying to say it's a hipster collage. That is untrue; this film is really a quite detailed, funny and critical view of the today of near-teenaged, white, monied persons who are lost in solipsism while being...spoiled brats, would actually be a good generalisation. The two headliners try to get to Fort Tilden by bike, which isn't as easy as it sounds (to them). This is like "The Warriors" without the physical violence. As they make their way they find stuff out about themselves while seemingly learning nothing. It's an epic film, in the true sense of the word. I've also gotta say, the scene where one of the lead characters picks up David Foster Wallace's "Infinite Jest" and drops it onto a visible part of her apartment to increase her chance of getting laid later as she hopes to drag a guy back to her apartment is brilliant to a DFW geek like myself.

With its simplistic plot and meager cast, Fort Tilden is a brisk, breezy and mean comedy. It is an engaging film because of its sharply drawn characters, almost transparent that we can see every nuance of their thoughts and emotions. Sadly, they are very annoying, narrow-minded and shallow, far from being role models. They are silly enough to ditch their responsibilities for a beach time and hopes of getting laid. Allie, the less unlikable character, takes pride with her Peace Corps association but being unable to navigate in the streets of New York, there is a big question of the likelihood of her survival in war-torn Liberia. As much as she just tags along Harper, she is pushed around by everything that happens. Harper, the more stubborn one, seems to look at herself higher than everyone else. She is the typical mean girl, mocking other people for their sincere efforts and persuasions. But when she finds herself at the center of joke, she becomes defensive and impatient.Their journey together has become a test of their character, as their insecurity and confusion becomes more apparent. Like their wasted $200 barrel or the expensive cab ride, they are simply narcissistic, showy and pretentious. It is evident in how Harper rolls her eyes at other people and how Allie is fond of giving fake compliments with fake smiles. As much as they lost in the streets, they are also unsure of what they want with their lives. And when they explode off against each other, it is a moment of truthfulness and kindness. As much as they are able to give pity to the kittens, they are also capable of empathy and affection for each other.Technically, the film is decently edited, scored and photographed. There is not a dull moment as the two characters, with all their flaws and imperfections, are intriguing and watchable. Elliot and McNulty also have good rapport and delivery.Despite its unlikable characters, Fort Tilden is an enjoyable film to watch. It is not because of how the leads stupidly stare and argue while a kid steals their bike. It is not because of how a store owner puts ice on hot coffee with her bare hands to make them "iced coffee" for the two heroines. And it is not also because of the topless scene in the end, where a quarter of girls let their bare breasts hang loose at the beach. But it is because of how the two leads, without realizing it, develop some kind of compassion and humanity.

The movie's premise is something with some potential. The characters are good in that they are similar in some ways and polar opposites in others. The dialog is good and it is well acted. However, it never captures the viewer. It always seems like the movie is going to pick up and then it never does. There were so many opportunities for great comedy that were just completely missed. The bike stealing scene for example could have been turned into something rather than simply having the characters stare blindly as their bicycle is stolen. It felt like the movie went on forever and the premise got thinner with each passing minute. I wish I could recommend this film because I love independents but it just simply never got going and the director, where as it was very well shot, really let some good opportunities slip away.

If ever you wondered what happened to the 'valley girl' ethic, rest assured that it is alive and well in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Harper (Bridey Elliott) & Allie (Clare McNulty) are 20-something best friends whose parental affluence hasn't really required them to mature in the years since college. This comedy follows their ill-conceived attempt at being thrifty as they choose to bike (rather than taxi) across Brooklyn to a Rockaway Beach party. These are two of the most vapid and shallow characters ever portrayed as protagonists - they don't learn a thing as they spend hundreds of dollars during their 10 mile odyssey - and that's what's so funny. As for winning the SXSW Grand Jury Prize, I can totally see the comparisons with, festival darling, Lena Dunham's 'Girls' - which is a guilty pleasure of mine - but, where Dunham's wit and goofy characters coax empathy, the 'Fort Tilden' characters have no apparent redeeming qualities. I laughed a bit but this is no Patsy & Edina or Romy & Michele; I got more than my fill of Harper, Allie, and their equally self-centered world.