R | 1h 46min | Drama, Romance, Coming-of-Age | 01 August 2022 (USA)
Although part of the “Teen Flick” genre, coming-of-age movies tend to be far more dramatic and insightful than their low-brow counterparts.
When done right (“American Graffiti,” “Stand By Me,” “The Last Picture Show,” the John Hughes films from the 1980s), these productions can also appeal to older audiences, who blanch at the very idea of ever watching anything along the lines “American Pie” or “Porky’s.”
In a year strewn with impressive debuts (including “A Love Song”), the curiously titled “Icon” is the first feature effort from director Tony Ahedo (who also writes and produces), and it shows immense promise while straying far from the usual mainstream coming-of-age tropes and conventions….