A modern classic.

The film tells the story of a day in the life of Dante Hicks, a clerk in a run-down convenience store, and the people he works with and meets during the day.

Dante, comes in to work to cover for a sick colleague, and spends the rest of the say telling everyone that he’s ‘not supposed to be here today’. Dante doesn’t like his job much but, much to the annoyance of his girlfriend Veronica, seems unwilling to look for something else, or go to college.

He spends his day serving customers and talking to his friend, Randal, who is supposed to work in the video store next door but spends much of his time with Dante.

Each of Dante’s customers seems to bring a new element to the film, some funny, some sad, some annoying, and on the face of it, the things that happen to both Dante and Randal seem outlandish but in the context of this film seem wholly possible, even inevitable.

I’d hate to give anything away so I’ll just say this is really worth watching. I loved the scene where Randal is ordering films from his supplier of ‘adult’ films – I think the director made the film titles up to embarrass the actor playing Randal.

By the way, it’s in black and white but don’t let that put you off – it’s a funny, moving film, and deserves your attention.