Not Great, But Has It's Moments

Rating: 7/10 (9 June 2005)

I mainly enjoyed this film due to standout performances by both Heath Ledger and Emile Hirsch. I'll admit that I haven't seen a whole bunch of Heath Ledger flicks (none of them ever looked that interesting to me) but based on what I've seen this film is a huge step forward for him. His character provided some of the most moving scenes in the film. The scene towards the end of the film where he's in the back of the shop shaping the board was particularly well executed. I also enjoyed the scene that he and Emile Hirsch shared in the pier. Which takes me right to my next point. Emile Hirsch was good in "The Emporer's Club" and he cracked me up in "The Girl Next Door" but this is the first film that I've really taken him seriously in. He really gets inside of his character and does a great job conveying the intensity of Jay Adams' determination not to sell out. The movie itself drags a bit in place but it's mainly well done and has a few visually affecting shots. That, combined with two great performances, makes it worth seeing.