“Stuck Like Chuck” is a fun, witty, and endearing piece of RomCom by independent director Jerry Cavallaro. This movie follows Charlie (Joe Moran) as he tries to woo the love of his life, attractive and funny Juliet (Jocelyn DeBoer). Chuck has a problem though…He is awkward and shy, only comfortable in his element which happens to be in the film lab. With a little help from his wise-cracking friend Rob (hilariously played by Patrick McColley), he conjures up a situation that entraps both he and Juliet in the film lab for a period of time in the hopes that they can get to know each other, and she’ll fall for him.


This movie is helmed by first-time director Jerry Cavallaro, who obviously made this movie for two separate audiences. The first audience is certainly the date-night men and women looking for a good romantic comedy to hopefully later get busy to with it playing in the background. The other audience is for people who are obsessed with indie and B-movie films and stars. There are constant references both in the set, wardrobe, and dialogue that refer to such titans of indie film such as Sam Raimi, Kevin Smith, Quentin Tarantino, and Lloyd Kaufman (who also happens to make a cameo appearance in the flick). The film was made BY a movie aficionado, FOR movie aficionados. For a first time director Jerry handles his cast, shots, and story very well considering how low a budget this movie was made on (which, while I don’t have exact figures, can probably be guessed fairly on the nose given some of the obvious technical limitations).

The film is shot crisp and clear with great attention to detail of the subjects in the frame. The sets are decorated in a manner that certainly calls to mind a college campus, where the film takes place, and overall feels very true to life. One of the more glaring issues I had while watching this movie were some of the lighting that was used in various scenes, but it is plainly obvious that this is due to the budgetary and technical limitations mentioned above. I think given the proper resources and backing, Jerry has the ability to make a beautiful looking movie.

Cavallaro also wrote and edited this piece of cinema. The editing itself is fluid with a few rough hard cuts that were obvious but otherwise wonderfully done. The few effects that were introduced into the movie were pulled off well, and I’ll state again that I would love to see what he could do with an actual budget. The script is top notch and it is certainly obvious where his influences lie. The early 90’s Sundance Classes definitely seemed to have an effect on Mr. Cavallaro. A lot of the comedy hearkens back to early Kevin Smith and Trey Parker/Matt Stone. While it is irreverent and sometimes crass, it is also clever and hilarious.

The stars of this film also deserve a nod. Joe Moran plays awkward and clumsy to a tee, and reminds me of the 1980’s Christopher Reeve portrayal of Clark Kent. You can tell that there is a confident, strong person under those glasses, but he just needs to get over the hurdles of fear and possible rejection. His roommate Rob looks like a cross between James Franco and James Marsden. But he has the comedic timing of a Jason Lee or Seth Rogan. He acts as the comic relief and good natured stoney perve roommate that pushes Chuck to be a better man. The female lead in this movie is a refreshing addition to this sausage fest. She banters back and forth with Chuck with ease, keeping him on an emotional roller-coaster of uncertainty the whole movie. She has a great comedic knack all her own and a girl next door attractiveness that is certain to be a draw cinematically. I hope to see her in future films, both indie and mainstream because I know she would do well.

This movie reminded me of those awkward times you have when you like a girl but are afraid to take that next step. It reminded me of hanging out ripping on things with my friends when no else is around and you can just be yourself. And most importantly, it made me laugh from beginning to end (and do stay for the end credit sequence!)

‘Stuck Like Chuck’ – You’ve Been Snobbed!