Review of Rocket Science (2007) by Cory T — 21 Nov 2009

Oh, the pains of adolescence... it's still funny to me how it is referred to as "the best time of your life". Seriously? There are so many things kids, in adjunction to the main character here, at 15-years-old don't understand, don't and can't control, and shouldn't have to think about. Hm, welcome to 21st century America...

"Rocket Science" follows the endeavours of an incredibly awkward- but normally unpopular- kid that stutters. It is a wonderful thing to consider that he is, in essence, not any different from other high schoolers going through the same situations and changes, only his stutter is visible/verbal, while everyone else seems to be able to hide theirs under a semi-transparent mask. "Rocket Science" bears comparison to other wonderful films about teenage angst (although this character's angst is not self-destructive or melodramatic) but arrives at the same conclusive term that embodies this world: Frustration.

In "Welcome to the Dollhouse", the main character faces frustration at not being able to connect with anyone, at home or school, while in 7th grade. In "Thirteen", the main character is willing to sacrifice her future and, ultimately, herself for the acceptance of shallow pubescents, just as lost as she. In "Mean Creek", the main character is frustrated with being bullied by a peer and exacts revenge that goes horrifically wrong. In "Thumbsucker", the main character is frustrated with his inability to successfully transition into adulthood, while still holding on to the infantile act of sucking his thumb.

- All of these films are beautiful masterpieces in their own special way, and "Rocket Science" joyfully connects along the same basic themes, while following a plot, and fueled by dialogue, that is refreshingly original and plausible- a combination not always blended successfully.

Hal Hefner's (the main character) awkwardness is personified when he is recruited for the debate team by the immortal and intelligent senior, Ginny Ryerson. Ginny knows how to say everything quickly, too quickly for most people, but certainly for a kid with a stutter. Needless to say, Hal is smitten; his inability to effectively communicate with her probably wouldn't have been any better, had he not been gifted with a speech impediment.

But, alas, this provides the film with rich context that works on two levels: The debate team topic for the state level is arguing the importance of abstinence, something a 15-year-old is intensely unsure of, and this almost seems to be a laughable caricature of the second context.

Hal is sexually attracted, and equally intimidated, by Ginny but, after she transfers schools, what can he do? Hal is forced to learn, rather abruptly, that ALL people are fallible human beings and SOME of them are selfish. Considering the scenes before Ginny transfers schools, Hal is holding on to the possibility of a "relationship" (the quotations can only be explained by an exchange between Hal, his brother, and another boy) is something so new and frightening, it can be suffocating.

"Rocket Science" is, without question, a film that can be coined "Sundancey". It has rich, complicated characters that don't feel trapped by their roles, but freed by the originality of the screenplay, that beautifully captures the strangeness of being a teenager.