The Wackness (2008)

An evocative tale of adolescence

A customer from London , 19/11/2008

Beneath the surface of good looks (among them the beguiling Olivia Thirlby and still-fabulous Famke Janssen) and comedic appeal, this movie reveals a sensitively filmed, bittersweet tale of adolescence and a nostalgic look at 1990s New York. The unlikely relationship between protagonist Luke Shapiro and his shrink, Dr Squires, played to perfection by Ben Kingsley, is central to the film, which also tells the story of sexual exploration and the conflicts of adulthood. The characters are what make this film, as well as the sometimes hilarious moments, particularly between Luke and Dr Squires, as each attempt to come to terms with their inner agonies and the coming of age.

The 1990s hiphop soundtrack and points of reference by characters also evoke a recent popular culture, which serve as reminders of how short-lived youth is to those of us who still think the 1990s was not that long ago.

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There's a first tiem for everything...

Whipster from Shropshire [Highly rated reviewer] , 25/11/2008

Set in 1990's New York, which is very effectively realised, this is a gently played rites of passage tale featuring a troubled, and 'unpopular', drug dealing school boy and an aging shrink - who pays for his drugs with counselling sessions for his young supplier! They strike up the most unlikely of friendships whilst both of their lives are reaching respective crossroads. Ben Kingsley is quite superb, a tour de force in fact, and the young lead is equally impressive. As the problems in both of their lives come to the fore it's their friendship that reveals its importance. It's certainly bittersweet but a feel good movie also. One to enjoy.

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