“Boy am I glad I’m out of High School!” That was the thought I had again and again while watching “American Teen” – a documentary following 5 High School students from Warsaw, Indiana during their Senior year. We were still living in Warsaw when the filming of this film and I kept forgetting to find it on DVD until a few weeks ago when I found it for around $10 online.
The week the DVD arrived in the mail, Jess and I made time to sit and watch this to see what familiar sights and sounds we could see as well as to understand a bit more of the student culture we’re still involved with in ministry!
The film focused around these five teens’ lifestyle choices, relationship situations, and school-life – three areas that are relevant to students today. Knowing that, I think that youth pastors/leaders should all find time to view this film! It gave great insight into some behind-the-scenes life that takes place outside of our influence. Watching it influenced me to pray even harder for our students as they make their way through their school-years!
I was disappointed that the documentary missed any positive-spiritual influence in these teens’ lives (if there was any). The spiritual-focus seemed to stay camped out on the young lady who claimed to be an atheist. I was embarrassed knowing that none of these students ever came through my youth ministry while I was in Warsaw. Jess and I both think that one of the sub-plot characters had visited our youth ministry a few times – so that was an interesting connection!
It was, of course, fun to see some of Warsaw’s sights through the film and to reminisce about our time there.
All though brief – there is a shot of Calah Sweeny (soon to be Goble). Her head was down and she had her hair in a ponytail.
Thanks for the review, Stevan…. and for the reminder to pray even more for our students. We haven’t had the courage to watch it yet…. two of the guys (AKA “the jock” and “the heart-throb”) were our kids at Summit…. not sure if I should admit that or not until we’ve seen it. We’ve also heard that there is some heartbreaking stuff involving one of our other kids…. not looking forward to seeing that part either. We will see it at some point…. just haven’t yet….
welcome to my stopping grounds. Yaaaa BOYYYY!