#52 - Rocket Science

Directed by Jeffrey Blitz
2007 Comedy
Rated R

**** 1/2

Last year, two heartwarming, crowd pleasing indie comedies were released. Both featured great performances, brilliant writing, and fun, hip scores. The difference between the two, however, is that one went on to win an Oscar and be nominated for three more (Juno), and the other went under pretty much everyone's radar (Rocket Science). Why Juno proved to be a blockbuster when Rocket Science didn't I couldn't say, though I can assure you distribution companies had A LOT to do with it. Newcomer Reece Thompson stars as Hal Hefner, a fifteen year old with a stutter who's parents just divorced. When he's approached by the very attractive captain of the debate team to join up, he takes her up, hoping to win her over. Something you need to understand about this film is that it NEVER conforms to expectations; every time I thought I had it pegged for where it was going next, it surprised me. Anyone out there not a fan of cliches will love this film. Add to that the performances (featuring one of the funniest supporting casts in a long time), the brilliant script (that, unlike Juno, doesn't feature a brutal first fifteen minutes) and the fun score (peppered with songs from Violent Femmes), and you have 2007's little movie that should've.