BrianSez's Review

Summary - Very Good 3.5

A teen movie that is really about adulthood. Why does Justin suck his thumb? Watch this gem of a movie and you’ll find a unique twist on the turbulent-teen themed movie. Navigating through family dysfunction, flighty girls, an orthodontist who moonlights as a psychologist, and just being a teen in general, Justin moves to a solution used very often these days: medication. Does it work? In addition to turning Justin in to a killer debate team member, he manages to expose the adults around him as the children that probably got him in to his predicament in the first place. They end up growing up along with him.

Acting - Very Good 3.5

Lou Taylor Pucci was quite impressive indeed. He’s got that NYC adult spin on being a teen – and a perfect fit with Tilda Swanton as his co-dependant mom. Vincent D’Onfrio has a subdued role – at least as compared to what I’ve seen of him, but does a great job as the dad who closets his own issues. Vince Vaughn also could have stood to have a more pronounced role. Keanu Reeves had a great character as the earthy orthodontist.

Film - Great 4.0

Mike Mills and company create a a very watchable and entertaining film. More sophisticated than your usual teen movie, rife with drama and a subtle humor. Neurosis without that familiar “enough already” feeling when watching. Insightful in a way that allows you to arrive at a conclusion at your own pace.

Edge - Risqué 1.6

Reality - Glib 1.8

1 Comment

• Wick Apr 2, 2010 10:54PM

  Regarding BrianSez’s Review
  Sounds like a great movie Bri. I gotta look out for this one.

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