Review of Rocket Science (2007) by Richard J — 28 Feb 2009

This movie is based on the story of the director who had a stuttering problem in high school and joined the debate team. Well told and tender at times.

However, there is also a lot of dysfunction in some of the characters. Why do coming of age films always seem to tilt in the direction of showing parents as either sex-obsessed or sex-repressed, liars and total screw ups? Is this some kind of requirement? Why is it the kids seem to be raising themselves?

There is no mass appeal with this film, which is fine by me. If you like sophomoric, dumbed-down humor, skip this movie. But if you like the unconventional and for the most part, smart story, it's a good one.