Review of Skipped Parts (2000) by Rich B — 21 Nov 2004

Skipped Parts (2000) ? ?If you kids are going to do this, you might as well do it right." - Lydia.

Based on Tim Sandlin?s novel of the same name, this screenplay explores the risks and consequences of sex through a story told by Sam Callahan (Bug Hall ? Little Rascals), the 14 year-old illegitimate son of Lydia (Jennifer Jason Leigh), the 30 year-old, irresponsible daughter of Grandpa (R. Lee Ermey), a wealthy man who is trying to be the next Governor of North Carolina. Perpetually embarrassed by his daughter?s antics, Grandpa exiles Sam and Lydia to a small town in Wyoming, where they will be safely out of the way until after the campaign. Drew Barrymore and Brad Renfro have minor roles, one as Sam?s fantasy and the other as Sam?s reality.

The refreshing script (the book got rave reviews) mixes the awkwardness of sexual discovery with inappropriate adult role models, bringing about what appears to be just another sad story. However, in a remarkable turn of events, the story takes a wholly unexpected path ? accountability. In the early stages, the story carries the movie, but as events unfold, the acting rises to the level of the story.

Bug was my favorite. He?s a good actor and I just don?t understand why he?s rated so low in RT. Both Barrymore and Renfro had neat roles. Seeing Renfro in another bully part irked me at first, but in the second part of the film, he got a chance to show a different side. Ermey was my only serious complaint. He was simply miscast for the role. Every time he appeared on the screen, it was like the sound of screeching, skidding tires.