Fantasy geek Gavin Gore (Jeremy Sumpter) and his friends find a set of outlandishly large footprints in the forest. Believing they have found evidence of the legendary Sasquatch they inform the police and local reporters in the hope of fame and recognition.

Written and directed by Tim Skousen, who was assistant director on Napoleon Dynamite, there’s going to be inevitable parallels between the two movies. Both look at the awkwardness of childhood and both are absolutely hilarious. Still, even if you didn’t like Napoleon you might find something to enjoy here. The direction is slickly done and follows each of the main characters through the simple plot by telling the story from each perspective. It allows each character to grow in a way that makes all their flaws become apparent but strangely acceptable at the same time.

Skousen captures the geek crowd of Gavin and his friends perfectly. They’re at their happiest with mock sword fights or playing games at the computer arcade. As always, once a girl enters the group the new addition can be painful and friendships have to change. Skousen hits the right note every time. Hobie Plumber’s (Hubbel Palmer) jealous rage and incomprehension of the fairer sex is very funnily done.

Zerk Wilder (Justin Long), the dim-witted hick is fantastic. His mullet touting, dodgy moustache wearing ineptitude is enjoyable from start to finish. He believes in the America where there is always a way to make a fast buck without having to do any work whatsoever. However, he’d be nothing if it wasn’t for his buddy Shirts (Joey Kern), the dubious brains of the pair, who I think has one of the best comedy falls in a movie I’ve seen for a long time.

The only character that fell completely flat was the Sasquatch expert, Dr. Artimus Snodgrass, over played by Carl Weathers. Which is a regrettable, maybe I just can’t get past seeing him as Apollo Creed smashing his fist into Rocky’s face. Watching him as a fame seeking charlatan just didn’t sit right for me.

I loved this movie. For all the comedy and hilarious characters, it’s actually a lovingly told tale of accepting who you are. Even though growing up might not be easy, it’ll be okay as your friends will pull you through. I’m confident that there will be people out there who will hate this movie. Don’t be one of them, don’t judge the characters when you first meet them, watch them grow and enjoy the consquences. I’ve no doubt this will end up being a cult classic.