Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Schemers’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Our modern society really is something to marvel at. Because we’ve set up a system that genuinely helps people to succeed. For the freedoms we enjoy allow for us to explore the world at an early age and come to discover what excites us and motivates us, a process that in turn allows for us to easily focus upon who we want to become in this world as we grow, and chase that with gusto when we reach adulthood. And these wonderful systems and freedoms are in place so that no one feels as though they will be left behind and have every chance to grow and succeed and change the world when they finally settle into a particular career field and well, when one considers how many people find their way in life… it’s safe to say this system is… mostly a success. And 'mostly' is the right word to use, because in reality, this ‘one size fits all’ approach to helping people find their place in the world… really doesn’t work for everyone.

For some folks see the structure of modern society and find themselves ill when looking at it, which motivates them to forge a different and unique path when they set out on their own. So that they can find something that gives them a personal freedom they know they’ll never find within the system, and these are the folks that ironically become the poster child for the mantra of chasing’s one’s dream. Since they moved mountains, to grab hold of their true north in life. But while we often celebrate the end result of their endeavors, we rarely take the time to listen to the more difficult aspects of their journey since it is human nature to only look at the end of the story. But thankfully, the entertainment world never has a problem with showing us how tough and rewarding it can be to forge one’s path outside the system and recently, this reviewer was treated to an advance screening of a film that chronicles that journey in great detail in Schemers.

Now in this particular motion picture, one that is based off of the life and times of legendary music promoter David McLean, we are transported back into the late 1970s… when David was quite frankly trying to figure out his future. For a chance encounter with a lovely lady’s jealous boyfriend, ended any chance of him playing professional soccer like he thought he would and the other jobs available in his hometown, while stable and well-paying… appear boring and fruitless. Leaving David to genuinely ponder upon what his future is going to look like in life. But the opportunity to impress a cute girl named Shona, by putting on a massive music event, ignites something within David’s soul. For he comes to discover he’s quite good at packing a house with bands and their fans and that leads him and his two mates to start their own promotional business. One that will sadly find itself on shaky ground, when they have to deal with connected men in order to grow their passion into something more. 

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Which is a plot that initially doesn’t seem as though it is going to dive all that deep into what it looks like to buck the system in order to find one’s true calling. In fact, it seems more akin to a crime drama. But as the story continues along and you get to spend more time with David and his friends Scot and John, it becomes clear that this motion picture really does offer up some poignant observations on how difficult it can be to leave the system behind to forge your own trailblazing path in the world. Because these guys are simply starting from scratch to become promoters, which is no easy task since they have zero connections in this business and no clue where to start. Plus, they must work with unsavory characters in order to bring their dream to fruition and well… that allows for us to see first-hand just how much failure and trial and error goes into giving this path a go, and that really is a wonderful point to make since stories don’t talk enough about the hardships any dreamer will encounter on their journey toward fulfillment. 
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But while that does make for some sobering moments in this tale, the kind that almost motivate the viewer to stick with the system over anything else, there was mention of the fact that this path can indeed offer up incredible rewards. Something that is hammered home by way of David’s persistence and insistence that risks need to be taken in the boldest manner possible. Because eventually his efforts pay off in spades and the joy and peace that he and his friends find, speaks volumes to the fact… that chasing our dreams in a fearless manner and disregarding what the system or others have to say… is true freedom. Because it puts us firmly in the driver’s seat and allows for us to truly become a pioneer at what we do and while we will indeed make mistakes along the way, and embarrass ourselves as well… who cares? For in the end, the person that opted to turn their back on the norm and do things their way, achieves a happiness that few will understand and that makes this movie an incredibly inspiring tale, one that motivates you to get out there and grab hold of your dreams by any means necessary.

Obviously though, perhaps don’t get involved with small-time or big-time gangsters as David did. But go for it. That’s the theme of this film, and that’s a wonderful message to find as we emerge from a trying time where everyone is wondering what their second chance in life should look like and well, all that message alone really does makes this movie an exceptional and worthwhile watch. Yet while the message is definitely worth celebrating, what truly makes this film so unique and worthwhile, is the sheer fact that it co-written and directed by Dave McLean himself, and he makes his directorial debut here and handles it well. Since this movie is crisp and clean and filled with magnificent performances from talented young actors looking for their shot at the dream as well. Which means that this motion picture's message, is grounded in honesty and well, when the time comes for this story to be released in your neck of the woods, do give it a look. Because this really is a delightful and inspiring tale, one that truly stays you in all the right ways, long after it has come to an end.

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