Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Bonus Track is a gay romance about George (Joe Anders), an unpopular teenager with failing grades and dreams of becoming pop star. His life is going nowhere fast until he meets Max (Samuel Small), the son of a famous musical duo. The two become friends, and with that, the romantic drama begins.
Some Thoughts:
Bonus Track is set in the mid to late 1990s, before technology changed our lives. While the film gets the overall look and feel of the time right, George’s friendship with Max seems too easy going and accepted by the other students. I find this hard to believe, especially at a time when homosexuality was still taboo.
George and Max’s friendship is something the writers could have taken and run with but brush it off instead. Focusing the story on the popular kid forming a tight bond with someone who is unpopular would add some much-needed tension to a story that lacks an obstacle to overcome. There is a brief moment when the writers try to do this but quickly abandon it.
Another problem with this film is that it lacks depth. We never find out why George isn’t interested in school and fears success, nor does it explore why Max is attracted to George. Both characters are very different, so what is it that connects them? It’s a shame because Anders and Small do have the necessary chemistry to make it work. Their attraction feels real, we just don’t know why it’s there. Other than music, what is their connection?
In spite of its flaws, the film is watchable. The production values are mediocre, the pacing works, and the characters hold your interest. I wasn’t glued to the screen but did find it somewhat enjoyable. If more attention had been given to plot, this would have been a hit.
The Final Verdict:
Despite its lack of tension, Bonus Track is easy to watch.