Review of Manic (2001) by Tyler M — 31 Mar 2012

Is there anything you would like to say?

WOW. 'Nuff said.

The Story: In a mental institution for troubled teens, the story centers itself on the new arrival of a young man with a violent past and a short temper. It's got a great documentary style and a fitting heavy metal soundtrack to go with its hard edged sharp look. It moves at a fairly consistent pace with a few moments that will leave you breathless. It's like One Flew Over the Koo Koos Nest, for a younger generation.

The Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Don Cheadle... Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Lyle, the new arrival. After almost killing someone he's sent to the institution. Against his will, confined in the walls of all the other troubled souls he desperately looks for a way to escape. Reaching his limits, he reluctantly begins making new friends and realizes that life could actually be better if only he'd cooperate. Okay, so by now you know that I'm a Levitt fan, and I've bought into most if his bigger roles, from Tommy on 3rd Rock to Brenden in Brick and even to Neil in Mysterious Skin, all of which are very notable projects. This though, is something else. The other day I watched him in Mysterious Skin and thought to myself that he couldn't possibly do any better in a past, current, or future role, but than I saw this. It's hard to say what his best performance is, this one is definitely more accessible than that of his role as Neil, and both trump his role as Brenden. I guess it's purely a judgment call for every viewer out there. But either way, this proves that he does in fact prove that he has more stones than a lot of actors his age. If he goes his entire life without winning an Academy Award than the Academy is worthless. He's that good, and there's several roles to prove it. Don Cheadle is Dr. David Monroe, the group psychiatrist. Reaching his limits as well, he learns that eventually nothing is easy and life will increasingly get more difficult, but that no matter what happens he can push foreword just as the kids he helps can push foreword. He gives an outstanding performance here, a character that everyone watching will love, everyone watching will feel for, and every one watching will honestly care for... Okay, I know I only put two cast members here, but there is so much more to the cast than just these two. EVERYONE in the film gives powerful performances from start to finish, and every character is just as notable as the next, it's just that these two are the big sellers. Watch it for Levitt and Cheadle, but don't forget about everyone else involved.

One to Five Scale: 5.

Breathtaking performances drive this character driven drama. I know the story sounds cheesy and maybe even a little overdone, oooooh troubled kids learning life lessons... But believe me when I say, this film is anything but cheesy, and anything but overdone. I heard about this in 2002, and I wanted to see it back than... It took me 4 years to finally get the chance to see this and now that I have, I have to say that it's worth the wait, and worth the trouble it might be to find it. Go out and get this film! And if you can't find it anywhere have your local video store to order it, and if they can't get it, buy it off E-Bay, and if no one's selling on E-Bay find it somewhere else on the net! Do whatever it takes to get your hands on this film because trust me, IT'S WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!

Tyler.