Movies

I was really expecting to not like Thumbsucker. I don't care for "teen angst" movies. Now having seen Thumbsucker, I'm really confused as to why Sony would market it in this genre (teen angst = teen $, I guess) and why its below the 5-star mark here at IMDb. It's really a remarkable movie. When it hits its stride, about 30 minutes in, it gets to places that few movies ever get to with respects to growing up, family dynamics, being a teen, being an adult, just generally being human. When I saw Thumbsucker, the screening was followed up with Q&A with the director and a few of the actors. Apparently they were all pretty dedicated to their rehearsals and developing the character's relationships. Their hard work paid off with an exceptional movie.

this movie was absolutely beautiful in so many ways. as an adolescent Justin, the main character, struggles with trying to stop sucking his thumb, the film creatively explores issues of identity, self-worth, achievement, family dynamics and so many other elements of life that are difficult to articulate. The film is fun and funny, but at the same time cleverly portrays the hard parts of growing up and communicates a profound and moving message. i was fortunate enough to see this movie BEFORE it was released in theaters with a Q and A portion after the film, with the director, Mike Mills. he was every bit as charming and clever as his film and his personality could be clearly seen in the film's character. I'd recommend this movie to anyone who appreciates a good laugh, a good story, or a touching picture of what it means to be human.

I think Mike Mills really does have such a knack for really getting under his characters' skin and really examining this with such care and detail. He brought that to his later films, Beginners and 20th Century Women, and he does it here. The cast is also excellent. Lou Taylor Pucci really understands his character and he really brings such a heartfelt and sincere genuineness. Tilda Swinton also gives a very strong supporting performance, always rising above what is simply on the page and making an impact in the way she always does. This definitely seems like a common teen angst film but there's a lot going on that would be missed if people merely labeled it as such.