Review of The Wackness (2008) by Kevin C — 23 Jan 2011
In many ways this film is a mess: is it a rom-com; bromance; or social commentary? It is none of those really. But for biased reasons I loved it.
From the graffiti-sprayed credits, circa 1994 hip hop on the soundtrack and drug-dealing protagonist, this rites-of-passage affair comes on like a whole barrel of fun. Odd really, when its subject matter is adolescent anxiety, middle-aged depression and unsettling questions of self-worth.
This is all about a growing-up summer and NY looks lovely. A look and feel of Gregory's Girl. It's about mix-tapes, come on I miss them! â~I look at the dopeness, you look at the wacknessâ(TM) â" thus signposting the influence of hip hop culture on white youth. Whether this line of inquiry squares coherently with the filmâ(TM)s sedulous pacing is questionable. Still, Kingsleyâ(TM)s shamelessly zingy performance adds pep, and a delicate, achingly sincere summertime idyll offers notice of Levineâ(TM)s evident promise.
This review of The Wackness (2008) was written by Kevin C on 23 Jan 2011.
The Wackness has generally received positive reviews.
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