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Most of the child actors here are known for comedy roles, roles on Disney shows, Nick shows, or being the brother of washed up old actors. But with "Mean Creek", they get a chance to really perform complex, heartfelt characters with a lot of depth and layers behind them. And they rise to the challenge and really get it down perfectly. George who is played by Josh Peck is a fat bully who picks on Sam played by Rory Culkin. Eventually, Sam's brother decides it's time to do something about this and him and his other friends decide on a harmless prank to teach George a lesson. They don't wish to hurt him or harm him, they just want to teach him a lesson in humility. � � The friends along for this are Millie, who is Sam's pseudo girlfriend. Marty who is a hot head angry teen filled with anger, bitterness, and hostility, most likely due to the fact his father killed himself and he has to deal with his brother who picks on him and a mother who has a learning disability. Clyde, who has to deal with the fact he has two gay fathers. Along with of course Rocky, Sam's brother who has never really grown up and pretends to be in control and knows the answers, when in reality he does not have the slightest clue. � � But he wants his brother Sam to be proud of him and be a good older brother. Sam is a smart, young kid who is very observant of things and just looking to do the right thing. He is tired of getting beat up and wants it to end, but is unsure the right solution or approach to this. He does not want to beat him up or hurt him, just wants all of the beatings to cease promptly. He knows the teachers and police won't do anything, so he thinks their small lesson in humility might do the trick. A great scene in the movie really helps you understand what kind of kid Sam is. Millie and Sam are up in a tree talking and they look over at George sitting down and Millie asks Sam if he could snap his fingers and kill George would he? Sam's reaction while looking at George without saying anything gives you the answer and helps you understand the kind of Sam really is. A powerful scene. � � Another great scene in the car with Clyde, Marty, and Rocky really also helps you understand their characters. You see Marty as a kid who is missing something and needs his own needs met and will take out his anger and hate on anyone to mask his own insecurities and flaws. Rocky as a kid who is attempting to be cool, but really just a flunky for Marty. Clyde, as the quiet kid who just goes along for the ride, but does not want any trouble. This movie really could have been simple minded, repetitive, and predictable with the characters, but what we get is many characters who are bruised, damaged, have a rough life at home and are trying to cope with the hand they have been dealt. � � Also, a great example of doing the right thing. Their plan is to take George on a boat trip, claim it's Sam's birthday and then throw him in the river naked and make him run home naked. Good, harmless fun right? That's what they think and hope, but it does not turn out as planned. Another amazing scene in this movie, there is so many of them, but one that really stuck out to me was at George's house. You see George filming his life through his camera and you see him having all these things in his room, yet he looks so empty and lost and just looking for acceptance and understanding. George is not a big bully, he is not a monster, he is not a cardboard cut out mean bully who likes to hurt people. He is a fat, lonely kid who just wants some friends. In the above mentioned scene, we see him alone in his room we see how desperately he depends on his video toys and the cool gadgets as compensation for a deep loneliness. The minute George arrives in their car and is with everyone, you immediately feel the awkwardness and tension and you, yourself start to become uncomfortable. I think the kids felt this too, as Sam and Millie start feeling sorry for George and want to call off the prank. It's here you see how sensitive Sam and Millie are, and how insensitive Rocky and Marty are. They have nothing against him, but they want to seek their own sick and twisted justice out on George. Eventually the plan is called off, although we a email this review to a friend
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