Nico & Dani (aka Krampack)
You can search online for the definition of what ‘krampack’ means. And while there is some of the definition clearly evident in this film, the story is far more a coming-of-age story told in a refreshing non-Hollywood fashion. I’ll say ‘amen’ under my breath for that. Directed by Cesc Gay, this Catalan (i.e., Spanish) film is fun, unabashed about sex, and had me laughing outloud in several spots.

The teens here (in Europe in general) are far more intelligent and mature than any 18 year-old you’ll run into at the Eaton Center. They approach life with a zest kids here in North America have lost. Nico arrives at the summer home of his childhood friend, Dani, and the two plan to idyl away the summer fishing and fixing a motorcycle when Elena and Berta appear on the scene and derail everything.

Dani, you see, is just coming to terms with his homosexuality and a classic tale of jealously ensues when Nico begins spending more time with the girls than Dani. It’s predictable fare, yes, but done in a refreshing way. I was a little miffed at the scene where Dani confirms his gayness by trying to bed Berta (while she and he are drunk) and the whole plot line of Dani running to the local gay writer Julian for help and another avenue to confirm his sexuality.

That aside, this was an amusing little flick for a Sunday afternoon and worth a rent if you’ve 90 minutes to kill. In 2000 it won the Special Award for Youth at Cannes. My rating 6 out of 10.