This movie thinks it is very profound

Rating: 3/10 (10 May 2006)

It's like sitting in a coffee shop for two hours listening to someone who thinks they're deep...but really isn't deep at all. If that's your sort of thing, have at it.
Besides, the basic premise is completely unrealistic. Why would a kid who has it all - looks, popularity, women - even notice much less listen to the ramblings of a gas station attendant? Call it unenlightened, but no college kid (ever) in the situation of this character would act like this.
The music's over-the-top, but it perfectly matches the over-the-top dialogue, picture cuts, sound effects, etc. Kudos to the composer for "getting into the mind of the producer/director". I'm sure they loved the score...
There are some nice visual images and creative moments (trophy smashing), but they're overrun by heavy-handedness and lack of subtlety. I have not read the book, so I am a different audience member than one who has. If you loved the book, perhaps you will also love the movie. If you've read the book, perhaps you'll understand why this kid is talking to the gas guy in the first place.