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THE WACKNESS
(Running Time: 95 min; Rated: R)


FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS

Reviewed by Denise Castillón

GROWING UP’S “THE WACKNESS” IN THIS ‘DOPE’ COMING-OF-AGE FILM

In Jonathan Levine’s uniquely moving and very funny sophomore film, The Wackness, an awkward drug-dealing teenager, (JOSH PECK) is mentored through his education on love, sex, and adulthood by his equally depressed shrink, (SIR BEN KINGSLEY).

Set nostalgically in the summer of 1994, the emerging Hip Hop music movement permeates throughout the New Yorks’ city streets, as does Mayor Giuliani’s radical crime prevention campaign.

Among his high school peers, Luke, a drug dealer, is more popular for his merchandise than his personality. Through bartered services with Dr. Squires, a pill-popping, weed-smoking psychiatrist, Luke works out his feelings of isolation and frustration. His is disappointed by his childish parents, (TALIA BALSAM and DAVID WOHL), and has a crush on Dr. Squires’ step-daughter, Stephanie (OLIVIA THIRLBY), a girl out of his league. Meanwhile, Dr. Squires attempts to resuscitate his loveless marriage with his wife, (FAMKE JANSSEN).

Their strong friendship transforms both drug dealer and shrink, to the point that their roles merge, and then reverses.

The brilliant performances between Ben Kingsley and Josh Peck, as well as amongst Josh Peck and Olivia Thirlby, are both amusing and profoundly touching.

The films’ superb acting is further sustained by cast members Method Man (Garden State), Luke’s Jamaican drug supplier, Mary-Kate Olsen (Factory Girl) and Jane Adams (Little Children), as troubled dopers.

Written and directed by Jonathan Levine (All the Boys Love Mandy Lane). Produced by

Keith Calder, Felipe Marino and Joe Neurauter. Edited by Josh Noyes. Cinematography directed by Petra Korner. Distributed by Sony Picture Classics.