Smart People

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 11, 2008

DVD Release Date: August 12, 2008

Plot 411: A surly and pompous English professor begins a relationship with a former student and is reunited (unwillingly) with his wayward brother.

Review: It's been a while since I've experienced a character I really hated, but then again I've never experienced Lawrence Wetherhold (Dennis Quaid). The very sad and ironic part about it is that this character could be based on any number of English professors I had in college as well. This movie really highlights the arrogance of academia, so much so that it is almost unforgivable. Luckily, Wetherhold's character arch is such that you begin to see the frost melt off his exterior and almost glimpse a real, live, beating heart. Wetherhold is a widower who has lived his life with a barrier between him and the world. The heartache experienced from the loss of his wife has created a gigantic emotional void. This behavior has affected his family - daugther Vanessa (Ellen Page) and son James (Ashton Holmes). Vanessa has been forced to take over as head of the household despite the fact that she is the youngest. While it would seem she is emotionally mature, I think it actually stunts her emotional growth and warps her identity. Her brother, on the other hand, is severely withdrawn from his family as if he is a castaway. He has self-esteem issues as his father doesn't seem to acknowledge his brilliance because he is too focused on his own successes and failures. Wetherhold meets Dr. Janet Hartigan (Sarah Jessica Parker), his former student, at the ER after an accident. A former lover of English, Hartigan had a schoolgirl crush on Wetherhold as a college freshman and is still intrigued by him. She believes he's different from the man she once knew. They begin a rocky relationship that, in essence, wakes Wetherhold up out of his stupor. Added to this already disfunctional family is Chuck (Thomas Haden Church), Wetherhold's adopted brother, who is a delinquent and slacker in so many ways but still appears to be the most intelligent person of the bunch. The movie's humor is really specific because, as the title indicates, the characters are all smart people. The intelligent, verbal sparring that flies between characters is creative and so perfect for that academic world they all come from. Page, especially, does a really good job at the deadpan, yet biting, assaults.

Watch It: For another good Ellen Page that's a little more grown up than Juno.

Skip It: If I already lost you when I said "academia."

Ghost World

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 3, 2001

DVD Release Date: February 5, 2002

Plot 411: Two outsiders, Enid and Rebecca, must decide what to do next after graduating high school.

Review: Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johansson) don't really fit in with the cheerleader crowd at school. They are both more mature than their age, yet their actions still reveal them to be the teens that they are. When the girls respond to a personal ad they meet music-obsessed outsider Seymour (Steve Buscemi) and have a good laugh at his expense. As Enid gets to know him though, she discovers that she has more in common with him than first thought. Her fascination with him slowly pulls her away from Rebecca and strains the lifelong relationship. This movie isn't your typical teen comedy, although there are some quirky indie moments. Although many of the characters in this film are portrayed as outsiders and different, I think many people can relate to their feelings in one way or another. Another common theme is the painful but real situation of two friends who grow apart. People you've know your entire life can all of a sudden be completely different, especially at that age, and it's a difficult thing to reconcile. Dreams and goals change, and change is a big part of this film. What I found absurd is how Johansson could be cast as a social misfit. At 17, she was already a beauty. She should've been cast as Miss Teen Spirit rather than a social deviant. Also in this film are Brad Renfro and Illeana Douglas. David Cross also as a small part in this movie.

Watch It: If you normally like these indie teen flicks. It's got a pre-Juno sort of feel to it.

Skip It: In favor of Napoleon Dynamite (which I didn't particularly like but still think is better than this film) or Juno (which I enjoyed tremendously).

Nick And Norah's Infinite Playlist

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: October 3, 2008

DVD Release Date: February 3, 2009

Plot 411: Heartbroken teens hit the big city to rock out, search for a missing friend and figure out Where's Fluffy.

Review: This is like the bible for indie rock geeks. Michael Cera (of Superbad and Juno fame) is genius as Nick. Once again he's captured that awkward geeky guy who somehow manages to pull off being cool. He's so lovable and sweet and nerdy hot. He's undeniable. Kat Denning (of The House Bunny) is perfect as Norah. She's got that emo-chick thing going on just naturally. What's completely cool about this movie is that the characters are so realistic that you feel like you know them. The best part is that this entire adventure happens in one night, and then it's back to school again. When you're young, your world could come to an end and crash all around you, but there's always tomorrow. This movie really shows us that anything's possible. I enjoyed the conversation between characters as well because it was so real. It doesn't sound scripted or forced. The babbling in some scenes actually happen in real life. It's rare that films are true to life these days. I also liked that Nick's bandmates and friends are gay. Another rarity in Hollywood is the portrayal of young, gay men. It's poignant that this film portrays an alternative lifestyle in a positive manner, one in which the characters don't think it's a big deal. Today, it isn't a big deal and the fact that this is reflected in the cinema is a sign of the times. Progress has been made. There are so many funny scenes, especially those that involve gum, barf and drunken behavior, yet there are others that are idyllically romantic but not overly cheesy. This film has just the right balance of romantic comedy and realism, and this really makes it work.

Watch It: For an accurate snapshot of a night in the life of a teenager.

Skip It: If reliving you teen years is too uncomfortable because this movie doesn't pull any punches.

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