"..the beauty & wonder of my whole miserable life..."

Rating: 7/10 (20 February 2000)

This film is not a tragedy whatever anyone else says. And I know I won't give too much away when I say it has what I consider a happy ending (for me that means like...satisfactory closure). This, an original american tale by english director Sam Mendes. Watching the first 20 minutes the story seemed to follow a formulaic line regarding dysfunctional families, etc etc. I kept waiting for the inevitable plot developments to kick in except the formula didnt follow its usual route much to my surprise and the rest of the audience too I suspect. There are worthy performances all round here and both Spacey & Benning have recieved worthy mention. But light praise must also be given to Wes Bently & Thora Birch for showing us the angst and pain of growing up different in that special world inhabited by teenagers where being the same and trying to fit in is all that matters. Not my pick for best picture this year (I give it 7/10)but a well structured film with some touching moments regarding the basic human flaws in us all....And its also not a bad commercial for Sony digital camera's.
I might just get one. We have new neighbours you see...