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Created Apr 02, 2010 10:37PM PST • Edited Apr 02, 2010 10:37PM PST

1. Quality

2. 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.

4. 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.

5. Male Stars Very Good 3.5

6. Female Stars Very Good 3.5

7. Female Costars Very Good 3.5

8. Male Costars Very Good 3.5

10. 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.

11. Direction Great 4.0

12. Play Great 4.0

13. Music Great 4.0

14. Visuals Great 4.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.6

17. Sex Titillating 1.6

18. Violence Fierce 1.6

19. Rudeness Salty 1.6

21. Reality

    Glib 1.8

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.8

23. Biological Glib 1.8

24. Physical Glib 1.8