Review of Thumbsucker (2005) by Brandon V — 09 Oct 2009
A tired, dull motion picture with some of the worst casting in my recent memory. Keanu Reeves as an orthodontist / hypnotist? It's as hilariously bad as you would think. Imagine his non-emotive surfer-dude voice spouting dialog like "Justin...sucking your thumb, is...normal..." and you have his scenes in a nutshell. Comedy gold.
It wallows in cliches and unbelievable story contrivances, and it is poorly paced. It also lacks bite - this story could be so much more interesting, touching and involving, but it plays like randomly selected moments from the novel it's based on rather than a film that has form and structure of its own.
The director uses jump cuts and montages to a ridiculous extent, as if he's uncertain that the material he has can stand on its own without his constant interference. No, seriously - this movie is at least 60% montage. Not even the most insignificant scenes are allowed to play out by themselves without being rushed.
It's nicely photographed and has a good soundtrack, but it's a waste of time.
This review of Thumbsucker (2005) was written by Brandon V on 09 Oct 2009.
Thumbsucker has generally received positive reviews.
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