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 Rating: R
Starring: Reece Thompson, Anna Kendrick, Vincent Piazza, Nicholas D'Agosto
Directed by: Jeff Blitz
Most of today's high school teen flicks are saturated with
absurd situation comedy so the laughter can sell the movie. Writer Jeffery
Blitz did not take that road with Rocket Science, a story that deals with a
teen's passion to free himself from ridicule and hardships caused by his fear
of public speaking.
 
Instead, the film
serves up a dramatic essay on student ‘outsiders', rather than a comedy
involving foolish escapades (i.e. Hot Rod and Superbad). However, Rocket Science has it's problems. Although it's well acted, the angst-riddled script
tends to drag with unimportant and repetitious dialogue that adds nothing to
the character build up, detracting from the coming-of-age, love/hate plotline.
The story goes like this: Hal (Thompson), a
shy loner, has to deal with a broken family that has been invaded by his
mother's new suitor. He also has to live with a bizarre brother that needs a shrink, and, on
top of this, Hal has a stuttering problem.
Adding to his dilemma, Hal gets picked from the audience at his high
school assembly to participate on stage in a mock debate, causing him to look
foolish in front of his classmates. Ginny (Kendrick), the previous year's
Runner-up in the State Debate Championships, chooses Hal as a partner for the
school debate team in spite of his impediment.
She tells him that she believes, deep down, everyone can be a
great orator no matter what impasse may be preventing it. After much convincing by Ginny, Hal accepts
the challenge, which sets off a series of events leading to an unexpected ending
at the year-end debates.
Although
the film will probably not do well at the box-office, the excellent acting in Rocket Science could ‘rocket' some of the actors into stardom. Anna Kendrick certainly has star power
possibilities with her performance as the catty girl who knows how to ‘play'
people. Her disturbingly cunning
portrayal of Ginny made me cringe to think there may be someone like her
out there.
The love/hate relationship
between Ginny and Hal has brilliant moments due to Kendrick's ability to change
emotions to suit her character's needs. Josh Kay gives a totally off-the-wall
performance as Lewis, an adolescent out of control during his sexual
awakening. His facial expressions and
dialogue delivered during the bra scene provided a rare comedic highlight. I
think you will see a lot more of Kay in future films and TV.
Rounding out the top three performances in
the film, Vincent Piazza, as Hal's brother Earl, gives credence to Hal's
chaotic living situation. Watching his
bizarre approach to life makes you wonder if that's the same kid who puts
pencils up his nose during third period lunch.
Earl's reasoning is amazingly ludicrous, "If I steal it, it's mine," he
screams upon catching Hal dipping into his stash of stolen goods.
The film
has some sexual overtones that may not be suitable for youngsters, including
several photos from the Kama Sutra. If
you insist on bringing your young children to the film, try covering their eyes
during that part.
If you like films like Napoleon Dynamite (but with less comedy), are looked down upon by others at your school
because you are different, need constant reassurance that you are not the only
one that has social problems, and are on the debate team, this film is a must
see for you.
One more thing, I must
admit I've never heard a teen speak so fast, for so long, and in words that
most high school students cannot even comprehend, in all my life. Do not miss
the opening scene—it's amazing!
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