RockBarnes: The Emperor in You

RockBarnes: The Emperor in You is a uniquely hilarious indie film from 2013 that skillfully blends comedy, self-discovery and unpretentious narrations. This dynamic flick revolves around Tom Barnes, a character you evolve with as you delve deeper into the fabric of the script. Erik Stolhanske, best known for his role in the cult comedy 'Super Troopers', wears the the main character shoes, delightfully bringing the eccentric yet lovable character of Tom Barnes to life.

Tom Barnes is a struggling actor, albeit with a veiled flair for the grandiose. He grapples with his mediocre career, always lost in Hollywood’s mindscape of ‘almost there' or 'almost famous’. What really sets his character apart is not his struggles – an all too common trope in Hollywood stories – but his unflagging optimism and incomparable approach to life. He's a dreamer who believes in chasing what seems out of reach: an unyielding spirit of pursuing one's passions despite an unforgiving industry.

The plot picks up the pace when Tom's high school sweetheart, the eternally patient Lucy (who has been supporting Barnes's dreams over the years), finally runs out of patience. She leaves him, causing a monumental shift in his life. Enigmatically portrayed by actress Madisen Beaty, Lucy dominates the screen with her performances. This breakup sets Barnes on a bittersweet road trip to reclaim his lost love and enthusiasm for acting at the same time. The clever intertwinement of the ensuing journey, both spatial and emotional, forms the very heart of the movie.

James Grace also puts on a splendid performance, providing the much-needed comic relief to balance the mix as Barnes's quintessential, mischief-making friend. His character is the one who sparks the idea for the wild cross-country journey that frames the bulk of the movie, and his humorous bumbling keeps the mood light even during tense moments.

A significant part of the film's charm is watching Barnes, guided by Grace, navigate the myriad experiences of an American road trip. Starting from Hollywood, he traverses deserts, meets eccentric strangers, gets into comical binds, and emerges from each adventure stronger than before. The landscapes of America play supporting characters by themselves, adding compelling visual layers to the journey.

Director Ben McMillan has done a fantastic job of using the premise of an actor's journey to tussle with his inner demons, dreams, and aspirations to create a movie that is both entertaining and reflective at the same time. The film also shines a light on the vibrant indie film scene, moving away from the traditional Hollywood glamour to embrace something raw and authentic.

Erik Stolhanske showcases a fantastic range in acting through his heartwarming portrayal of Tom Barnes. It's beautiful to watch his character evolve, moving from someone who lives in a world of delusion to an individual who understands his true self, grounding the idea that acceptance and confidence in oneself can bring genuine happiness.

Each character is a well-rounded person, each with their unique ambitions and flaws. The dialogue is snappy, quick-witted, and funny, and the comedic moments are well timed and effective.

The movie has a thought-provoking theme which unrolls in the form of the title, 'The Emperor in You'. It's a movie about finding your inner self and being okay with who you are irrespective of what the world thinks. It's—as the title suggests— about finding ‘The Emperor in You'. The movie paints a beautiful picture of resilience, acceptance, and unfiltered self-love.

RockBarnes: The Emperor in You is an unexpected delight with its catchy title, quirky humor, and intelligent storytelling. It's indie filmmaking at its finest: balancing offbeat humor with a sound plot and compelling characters. The film is filled with humorous life lessons that resonate long after the credits roll. It’s a movie for anyone who has ever dared to dream big, embracing both the hilarities and the hardships along the way. This film not only entertains but also compels you to look beyond the superficial and find your unique place in this world – to discover the Emperor in you.