10/23/06 Thumbsucker

Thumbsucker (2005), directed by Mike Mills-watched solo; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

Hey, at least the title of the film isn't "Bedwetter." With its oh-so-self-explanatory title, you wouldn't necessarily know what you were in store for. Considering the nasty habit of thumbsucking is something looked down upon by parents, kids in the schoolyard, and dentists alike...it would be safe to bet that whoever the so-called "thumbsucker" (which sounds like it should be turned into a curse word doesn't it?) is, their story would be one of trials and tribulations to fit in. Ahhh yes, here we go. Justin (Lou Taylor Pucci) is a teenager who has the aforementioned oral fixation, as it provides some comfort to him in a life of angst and turmoil. He seems to have some learning disabilities that are challenged with frustration by his parents (played well by Tilda Swinton & Vincent D'Onofrio), teachers (the surprisingly muted performance of Vince Vaughn), friends and even his dentist (a hippie-fied Keanu Reeves). Not performing well in school, Justin and his family go to great lengths to break him of his habit...including hypnosis (by the hippie-fied Reeves) and diagnosed ADD with prescription drugs. The drugs start to work for him, and he performs better in school...shinging in his debate class where Vaughn is the teacher who's looking for Justin's best interest. One slight problem arises within all this inner-turmoil, and that is Justin's other obsession with the pretty girl in class. All of his own pre-occupations are magnified by his parents' personal troubles (father as a broken soul, determined to succeed as a store manager; mother a hopeless nurturer who pines over the TV actor Benjamin Bratt; both parents embroiled in a loveless marriage). Good times. The director Mills is interesting himself in his first feature, with a background in music videos and TV-ads, graphic art for album covers, and fashion design...all of which help to bring alive the vibrant personalities that are abundant here in this quirky coming-of-age film. In the end, everyone learns from each other...to be an adult and give up on addictions with the support of love. Pretty deep for something titled after a childish habit.

4 out of 5 stars