Snack Shack
Movie Trailer
Release Date
March 15, 2024
Genre
Coming-of-Age Comedy
Cast & Crew
- Conor Sherry as A.J. Carter
- Gabriel LaBelle as Moose Miller
- Mika Abdalla as Brooke
- Nick Robinson as Shane Workman
- David Costabile as Judge Carter
- Gillian Vigman as Jean Carter
- June Gentry as Chrissy Carter
- April Clark as Leah
- Michael Bonini as Randy Carmichael
- Christian James as Rodney Carmichael
- J. D. Evermore as Bill Workman
- Steve Berg as Lester “Les” Miller
- Kate Robertson Pryor as Sherry Miller
Director
Adam Carter Rehmeier
Producer
Jordan Foley
Writer
Adam Carter Rehmeier
Budget
$4.5 million
Box Office Performance
$455,708
Production Company
- MRC
- Paperclip Limited
- T-Street
Distributed By
Republic Pictures
Running Time
112 minutes
Languages
English
Content Advisory
- Teenage drinking
- Mild language
- Sexual innuendo
Movie Story
“Snack Shack” is a nostalgic and humorous coming-of-age comedy set during the summer of 1991 in Nebraska City. The film follows 14-year-old friends A.J. Carter and Moose Miller, who are determined to make the most of their summer vacation. The duo, played by Conor Sherry and Gabriel LaBelle, respectively, are on the lookout for ways to earn money after their initial beer-brewing venture is shut down by their parents. Their luck seems to change when they learn that the local community pool’s snack shack is available for rental. Despite the objections of A.J.’s parents, who are disappointed by his reckless use of his college savings to secure the shack, the boys go ahead with their plan.
Running the Snack Shack turns out to be more lucrative than the boys had imagined, with the business booming on the first day. However, the arrival of Brooke, a new lifeguard at the pool, played by Mika Abdalla, complicates the summer for the boys. Both A.J. and Moose develop feelings for Brooke, leading to tension between the two friends. Moose’s more aggressive pursuit of Brooke results in a rift, especially when A.J. sees them together during a double date. This growing animosity threatens their friendship and the successful operation of the Snack Shack, as the pressures of young love and rivalry come to a head.
As the summer progresses, A.J. leans on his older friend Shane, a Gulf War veteran portrayed by Nick Robinson, for advice on life and love. Shane becomes a mentor to A.J., offering wisdom and encouragement as A.J. navigates the ups and downs of adolescence. A.J.’s relationship with his parents improves after he repays them from his earnings and gifts them concert tickets. Despite the budding romance between A.J. and Brooke, things take a tragic turn when Shane is killed in a car accident. The loss brings A.J. and Moose back together, as they reconcile and mourn their friend.
In the aftermath of Shane’s death, Brooke must leave Nebraska City with her military family, leaving A.J. with only memories and a personalized handkerchief as a parting gift. The film ends on a bittersweet note as A.J. and his father share a beer, reflecting on the events of the summer. “Snack Shack” beautifully captures the essence of adolescence, where friendships, first loves, and personal loss intertwine to shape the journey into adulthood. With its blend of humor, heartache, and nostalgia, the film resonates with anyone who has ever looked back on their youth with both fondness and melancholy.
Special Effects
The film uses minimal special effects, focusing instead on practical set designs and authentic 1990s visuals to evoke a sense of time and place. The production team’s attention to detail in recreating the era enhances the film’s nostalgic atmosphere.
Filming Locations
- Nebraska City, Nebraska, USA
- Omaha, Nebraska, USA (including Henry Doorly Zoo and Horsemen’s Park)
Notable Quotes
- “Sometimes, the best summers are the ones that don’t go according to plan.” – Shane Workman
- “Life isn’t about winning every race, sometimes it’s just about finishing.” – A.J. Carter
Behind-the-Scenes
Director Adam Carter Rehmeier drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up in Nebraska City, where he once operated a snack shack at a local pool. The film’s authentic portrayal of small-town life in the early ’90s is a tribute to Rehmeier’s own youth, and many of the locations used in the film are from his hometown.
Final Verdict
“Snack Shack” is a heartfelt and entertaining coming-of-age story that will resonate with audiences of all ages. With its strong performances, particularly from Conor Sherry and Gabriel LaBelle, and its evocative depiction of the early 1990s, the film is a delightful mix of humor, nostalgia, and emotional depth. Whether you grew up in a small town or simply enjoy a good coming-of-age tale, “Snack Shack” is a film that captures the universal experience of growing up.
Image Source: Theatrical release poster