Review of Rocket Science (2007) by Puneet P — 23 Nov 2009

Story about an ordinary high-school kid, Hal Heffner (career-making performance by Reece Thompson) who happens to have a severe stutter. His home life is broken. His parents don't go along so well. He is living with mom & bully elder brother. Hal has a hard time dealing with his stutter in school as well as daily life.

Hal is approached by the school Debate Team star, Ginny Ryerson (Anna Kendrick), a charming but overly aggressive super student, who entices Hal into joining the Debate Team as her partner. Soon Hal develops a fondness for Ginny and desperately attempts to be closer with her.

What I liked most about the Hal's character is that he never makes you feel like a guy attempting to gain your sympathy, he doesn't make you feel sorry for him, despite of odds he projects strong will.

Though Hal stutters so badly that he often has to hide in the janitor's closet from embarrassment, but that is where, in janitor, after one of his failed attempt to deliver speech he kisses & holds Ginny madly.

The acting is top class as well as the writing, editing, photography & soundtrack.

The characters are engaging, plot is amazing. Film does not follow the fairy tales. The love story that this film illustrates is unique. They say make love your strength not your weakness, well, now take this - "It's one of those two, love or revenge, I'm not really sure which one. But it's one of those two that made me throw a cello through somebody's window, so you figure it out.".

The editing is innovative, in that it employed its fitting soundtrack into the cutting. The music fires up to match the sequence and then pauses to let a key moment carry itself out, and then pick up right where it left off. Soundtrack is extremely good, a perfect match with the tone of the movie.

The movie ends on a very realistic note.

All in all, the film was an enjoyable experience.