Glory Boy Days

In Person: Director Paul Justin Encinas

Fresh from Slamdance, Glory Boy Days fits today’s twenty-something party scene to a technicolor hype-beast “T.” Recalling on such hits as Colma: The Musical and Better Luck Tomorrow, the film hooks into the fine tradition of coming-of-age cinema, its disaffected suburban youth, mind-altering substances, misfits, love affairs and more, and gives it a particularly Asian American twist, one even more flavored by some great South Bay locations.

Outfitted with a cast of characters as fresh as their wardrobe, Glory Boy Days follows a day in the life of a misfit crew through three interconnected stories. Brooding birthday boy Lando finds solace from a less-than-supportive home life with the sweet and stable Amy, but can’t seem to stay away from a new, intoxicating romantic interest. Lars and Friday, the resident break-up-to-make-up couple, traverse the bittersweet ups and downs of college love. Retired b-boys Trent and Yardbirds (the gang’s very own Rosencratz and Guildenstern) are on a secret mission for the perfect score, but find it hard to resist the thrill of one last battle. Rounded out by de facto social director and James Franco-look-alike Aces, this group of friends embarks on their nightly search for the perfect party, one that may have a sobering but hopeful morning after.

Beautifully shot and set entirely in San Jose, Bay Area filmmaker Paul Encinas and crew redefine Asian American cool. Add to the mix cholos, white supremacists, sorority girls and the chicken pox, and Glory Boy Days delivers an entertaining romp through the exploits of youth.