Never Been Thawed 2005

At the center of this quirky film is Shawn Anderson, masterfully portrayed by writer-director Anders, who juggles a life filled with unique passions. He is heavily engaged in the Mesa Frozen Entree Enthusiasts Club, a diverse assembly of individuals brought together by their shared enthusiasm for frozen food. As this eclectic group prepares for their inaugural Frozen Entree Enthusiasts Convention, Shawn finds himself caught in a tumultuous struggle for power against Vince, a wealthy and cutthroat corporate trainer known for modeling his workshops after the notorious Viet Cong prison camps.

Simultaneously, Shawn is pursuing his musical ambitions as the frontman of The Christers, a band that has transitioned from their previous identity as The Reach Arounds into a Christian rock group, motivated by their quest for a record deal. The narrative delves deeper into the complex dynamics between Shawn and his ensemble of supporting characters. Among them is Shelly Toue, a passionate abstinence advocate who harbors unreciprocated feelings for Shawn, while unbeknownst to her, she has caught the eye of Al McTavish, a member of The Christers who works as a clown at Klown Kutz, a children’s hair salon.

In the meantime, Milo Bender, played by John Angelo, the manager for The Christers, is operating an anti-abortion café named No Choice Café, situated rather uncomfortably next to a women’s health clinic. His other venture, the music festival Christapalooza, is where Shawn’s band is slated to perform, adding to the chaos of his multifaceted life.

As the plot progresses, we are introduced to a range of eccentric characters that enrich the film’s narrative. There’s Scott, a former firefighter who has turned his life around with the help of church ministry; he proudly collects and showcases commemorative plates salvaged from house fires. Meanwhile, Shawn’s deaf brother Chris navigates life in his underwear, humorously requesting beer and cigarettes through TDD phone calls. The film is a delightful exploration of the chaotic, often absurd—yet ultimately heartfelt—journey of its protagonist and his colorful companions.