Review of Manic (2001) by Blake D — 26 Jun 2012

A uncompromising look at a group of teenagers in a juvenile mental institution. The documentary-esque cinematography - with excellent use of close ups and shaky camera work - creates a natural realism which combined with solid performances from the entire cast (JGL and Don Cheadle in particular) stops the film from falling into what could have been teenage cliche (anger issues, self-harming, parental abuse are all present).