Review of Thumbsucker (2005) by Nicholas V — 22 Sep 2007

Okay, it's confession time. I really related to this movie for one reason: I myself still suck my thumb, and to those who don't get that, you need to understrand that "it's perfectly normal.

" I put that in quotes because that's actually a line from the film, but it's absolutely true. In the film, the main character is Justin. He's 17 and he still sucks his thumb. His mother (Tilda Swinton) has no problem with it, but his father (Vincent D'Onofrio) does.

When he realizes that it's affecting his life at school, his home life, and his love life, his dentist (Keanu Reeves) puts him under hypnosis to get rid of the problem. It works, but not long after, his school prescribes him Ridelin, which puts him on the debate team, where he becomes the star student, but not before he loses his mind again.

This is only part of the film, as the second half is about the discovery of who you are. Based on the best selling book by Walter Kirn, this is a film that is not so much about thumbsucking, but about discovery, heartbreak, and the hopeful feeling that no matter what comes, it can't be any worse than what has already come, What makes the movie so extraordinary is the music by the Polyphonic Spree, which sets the perfect tone for the film, as well as Mike Mills's direction and adaptation.

Without these elements, this movie wouldn't be as good as it is, but it is, even if you have a hard time relating to it. Be sure to keep an eye out for both Benjamin Bratt and Vince Vaughn in supporting roles.