Review of Rocket Science (2007) by Stephen M — 26 Jun 2010

Here's the problem with highschool coming of age films: If you've seen one, you've seen them all. Honestly, if you've sat through 'Rushmore', then please note that not much has changed here since then. And while the similarities between such films aren't bad (they're consistently quirky, and usually quite funny), they cause such films to feel like carbon copies of each other.

This is where 'Rocket Science' excels, in that it takes the formula we're all familiar with and breaks most of its rules. It's painstakingly honest and plays out with a sense of realism that isn't seen too often amongst films of its kind, in a way that's so true to life it's nearly painful. But this uneasiness allows for connection to the characters, which leads to a celebration for each small victory and a clenched fist for each defeat.

Those characters, by the way, are brilliantly portrayed by the young cast, whose astounding performances bring alot of kick to the film. Jeff Blitz's direction is spot on, and the story rather gleefully reminds us that the good guy does not take home the trophy, get the girl, or come out on top...at least not all the time.

While the pacing does get a bit slow, the dialogue is like wildfire and anytime almost anyone opens their mouth, it practically serves as an apology for down time. Well done on the whole, it's not the most original effort I've seen, but it gets points for going toe-to-toe with reality instead dabbling in the fantastic.