 |
|
|
|
| | | |
| MatchFlick Member Reviews |
All Movie Info
Directed By
Mike Mills, Mike Mills
Written By:
Mike Mills
Cast:
Tilda Swinton, Vincent D'Onofrio, Kelli Garner, Keanu Reeves, Vince Vaughn, Benjamin Bratt, Lou Taylor Pucci, Sarah Bing, Chase Offerle, Sarah Iverson, Sarah Bing, Kit Koenig
|
|
|
| |
Thumbsucker (2005)
 email this review to a friend
I rented "Thumbsucker" on the recommendation of some of my fellow movie lovers and blog subscribers. This is an intriguing film dealing with the complexities of family and the problems we encounter while on the path to self-discovery. I found the writing wonderfully touching and at times, extremely funny. It's a story about an introverted teen, Justin, whose thumbsucking habit serves as a comfort as he deals with the perils of coming of age. When his orthodontist (an excellent performance by Keanu Reeves – honestly!) hypnotizes Justin, enabling him to live his life without the embarrassment caused by his desire to suck his thumb, Justin finds that a void opens up. He tries to fill this void with academic success, drugs and sex. His quest to find himself is made quite believable by the performance of the young Lou Taylor Pucci. His face is so expressive! I can't say enough about this exceptional performance. (Pucci was also recently in Fast Food Nation.)
But this film was full of great performances. I've already mentioned Keanu Reeves – WHAT A TOTAL SURPRISE! Many of you know my thoughts on his acting ability (every time I see him I can't help but think of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure). But here, he really sheds his bland persona and does a remarkable job as the philosophical orthodontist. Vincent D'Onofrio and Tilda Swinton do a fantastic job as the parents of this trouble teen. Other great performances by Benjamin Bratt as the drug addicted TV celeb Justin carries a torch for and Vince Vaughn as his debate teacher. Plus I found Kelli Garner to be a real standout as Rebecca, Justin's first crush. The domestic drama in the film is particularly powerful, largely due to the obvious strengths of these actors.
I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing more from director Mike Mills. As a writer and director, he clearly has a lot of potential. The film also features a complimentary score by the Polyphonic Spree and Elliott Smith. This film really reminded me of "The Squid and the Whale", at least in feel and style. So if you liked that one, you'll probably enjoy this too. Also, on DVD, you get the added bonus of the "behind the scenes" features. I absolutely LOVED the conversation between the writer of the novel, Walter Kirn, and Mike Mills. I highly recommend adding this to your rental queue. I give it 4 stars!
email this review to a friend
Comment on this Review:
Sorry, you must be a member to add comments to reviews.
Join or Login. |
 | Jenny
Jun 11, 2007 10:06 AM
| |
| It is SO good to see you on here. :) I still haven't added this to my queue. Going to remedy that right now. |
 Subscribe to MatchFlick Movie Reviews through RSS
|
