Review of The Education of Charlie Banks (2007) by Remi L — 14 Aug 2010
When I first saw the movie cover, I thought Jesse Eisenberg (the headliner) was Michael Cera, lol. I was ready to completely dismiss this film when I saw that FRED DURST directed it, but it actually turned out to be an entertaining film.
Charlie Banks, the main character, is a middle class kid with a rich kid for a best friend, who both seem to feel most at home in a working class neighborhood with all the black kids and blue collar kids.
They're also best buds with the neighborhood bully who never seemed to learn that kicking a man when he's down is overkill. They head off to college, leaving the bully behind, establish new roots and identities, only to have the bully on their doorstep once more.
I enjoyed it. It was subtle and witty without being self-aware or obnoxious about it. Charlie Banks is a nerd, but not the completely pathetic dry-mouthed stereotype that's become so popular in Hollywood.
He's Seth Cohen without the neurosis. But I almost felt like it was a fantasy of the 70s. White kids and black kids kicking it together with no problem? Young women going to college without the assumption that they're getting an MRS? Working class kids hanging with trust fund babies without the judgment? It almost didn't feel real.
I was pleasantly surprised by Durst's turn as a director. I wonder how he personally related to this story.
This review of The Education of Charlie Banks (2007) was written by Remi L on 14 Aug 2010.
The Education of Charlie Banks has generally received mixed reviews.
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