The Brattle Theaters Annual Trailer Smackdown is a competition where teams or individuals of any age, be them amateurs or professionals, create a fictional movie trailer following certain requirements. Competitors are given the movie title and a list from which to include a genre, location, character and action. The list is not limiting but provides a guideline by which the trailer is to be structured. The trailers must not be longer than 2 minutes in length. The fictional movie title for the Seventh Annual Trailer Smackdown was Labor Day. 
Adam and his friends decided to enter the competition this year. After a few late night brainstorming sessions and acquiring a camera from a friend who's got connections in the business, the boys were ready to begin shooting. I spent the evening of Friday July 9th and all of Sunday July 11th participating "on set" helping out with basic production assistant tasks as well as taking on a key actress roll. I had a blast doing so. Granted, I had no idea what I was actually doing, it was so much fun, much more so than I expected. I was in four scenes and I had one line. The basic plot revealed in the trailer is a heist of the Jerry Lewis Telethon. If you are unaware, the Jerry Lewis Telethon takes place every Labor Day to raise money for "Jerry's Kids". (The term Jerry's Kids refers to children supported by the disease advocacy group Muscular Dystrophy Association.) Trailers submitted by the deadline, which was Tuesday July 13th were automatically entered into a preliminary judging round which determined the finalists to be screened at the Smackdown on Thursday July 15th, for audience award consideration. 
I don't really think enough people enter that they need a preliminary screening, but yes, we were "chosen." And so it goes. That Thursday we ventured to Harvard Square for some pre smackdown drinks. Adam and I made a quick stop at Tory Row before meeting up with some friends over at Casablanca. 
At Tory Row I drank a Red Sangria ($8) at the recommendation of the bartender. He seemed like a nice guy and made me feel very welcome.
While I think it looks beautiful - there was something off about this batch.
It was very tart. The more I sipped, the more this intense acidity made my tongue pucker.
Then I realized the floating fruit infusions are lemons and not oranges. That will do it. Who makes Sangria with lemon? I guess a little lemon is fine, but this was way out of balance. I was not a fan! However, I will not judge this place on their sangria and sangria alone. Their menu at least looks good and is decently priced, so I'd happily come back.
The atmosphere was pretty cool, too. The look is very minimalist with simple black tables and shiny modern stools accenting the weathered hardwood flooring. 
Shephard Fairey prints lined the back wall. Also note the patio outside, where most of the patrons were located.
Their beer menus displayed overhead added to the clean look and feel. 
I thought these were really unique in style and placement.
Then we headed to Casablanca which neighbors the Brattle Theater at One Brattle Square.
I decided on a White Wine Sangria ($9.50) in hopes of redemption. Redemption for my taste-buds that is. 
Spot on. While it is $1.50 more expensive compared to the former at Tory Row, the taste was worth it. It had a delightful fizz and I tasted peaches, orange and perhaps a hint of brandy.
Oh hello bartender!
The entire back wall of the space is home to an amazing painting flanked by exotic green plants attempting to transport you right to Casablanca.
Time for Trailer Treats!
We entered the theater to find these:
and them - the opening duet.
I drank $4 PBR tallboys in anticipation of my big screen debut. 
Presenting Labor Day:I think it's funny - but since I'm in the movie along with my good friends, I'm a bit bias. The hilarity is a combination of actually knowing the actors and being able to envision take, after take, after take of these scenes, holding in laughter at all times. But I'll let you be the judge. Also - I am not sure the clarity translated in the video upload. I promise in real life it is much clearer! 
Post Smackdown trailer treats:
The last time I attended an event at the Brattle Theater was back in March. Check out my recap of the Oscar Party. 
Red Line home. The End.
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