A scene fom 'The Candy Shop': From left: Everaldo Creary, Kyino Cunningham and Yuri Stewart

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

More than a sweet fun film, The Candy Shop is Jamaica's first teenage comedy.

The first feature film for writer and director Joel Burke, The Candy Shop follows the escapades of three graduating high school students who are looking for a 'bus'.

The film features five young actors, Everaldo Creary (Casper) , Kyino Cunningham (Preston), Yuri Stewart (Mark), Melissa Fearon (Eve) and Ricardo 'Flames' Orgill (Choppy) whose talent shine. According to Burke, the film was originally started as a short film, but after its debut at the Flashpoint Film Festival in 2006, he saw the potential to take it into a full-length film.

For Burke the film was a bit on the personal side, as he says "The idea came from a loosely based personal experience of mine with some of my friends. It was also inspired by a scene from the movie 'Porkys', which made me want to do the film." Shot in two strip clubs 'Big Stone Candy Shop' and 'The Office', which are both located in Kingston, viewers can expect a surprise ending. The film which received a standing ovation at the Flashpoint Film Festival will begin filming on March 10 the first half of the film has been shown already, viewers can expect the full length film at the end of 2007.

Eclectic mix

With a mix of professional and unprofessional crew members, Burke held the casting for the film at the Edna Manley College and he received an eclectic mix that all contribute their various experiences to the film. Everaldo Creary is a theatre actor having been in 'Jamaica to Rhatid', for him it was no trouble in identifying with his character, he says "The character, Casper, was not so difficult to play since I can identify with him, a ringleader, instigator and charmingly sly.

"The film appeals to a universal audience and any teenager can relate to the adventures of these three. Its like the Jamaican version of American Pie, but funnier. Joel is talented and cool to work with, he doesn't push his actors and he creates a fun set, the energy of the crew is awesome."

For the majority of the cast this is their first major film, but they are all happy to be on a landmark project. Kyino Cunningham elaborated; "I think it can and will be a success, it's the first of its kind. The story is easy to relate to, it's about three young men who are scared to leave the comfort of childhood yet anxious to become adults." With a young cast playing all the major roles, Burke assures that a lot of young people can relate to it.