Rocket Science (2007)

What makes it different from others?

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

The "coming of age" is in quotes because its not in your face. In fact, it is so subtle that people complain that the ending is weak. I just now finished watching the ending for the second and I have to say that it is perfect. The first time around, I watched it thinking its just another teen comedy. Hence, I was just waiting for run-of-the-mill stuff to kick-in. It never did. Just watch it keenly and not hope for a Hollywood ending and you will see what I mean. The rest of the movie is also very good. I did get a little impatient with Hal's stutter but I am glad I stayed with it. The acting is top notch. Anna and Recce stand out. Hope to see a lot more of them in near future.

I found 'Rocket Science' the way I've found several wonderful little indie films that nobody seems to know about: the sale bin at Blockbuster.Now I know why there were so many copies in there.The cast is chock-full of actors ranging from competent to spectacular; the script is fairly reeking of obnoxious characters with stereotypical indie-style quirks.Exception: the character of Hal is generally a good kid with a lot of heart and was played well by Reece Thompson. Now riddle me this: What directorial or writing mistake was it to give the kid such a severe stutter that rarely, if ever, improved temporarily? The stutter was endearing at first, then pitiful, then it just got annoying near the end of the movie when it finally dawns on the audience that Nicholas D'Agosto's character doesn't actually help him conquer it.The movie starts out pretty okay. It's not an overdone concept at all, and there are so many things a writer could do with a stuttering teenager on the debate team. Unfortunately, said teenager doesn't conquer anything, doesn't learn much, and ends up getting his heart broken by a soulless, motor-mouthed chick who "ferreted" him for no apparent reason other than to humiliate him.An oft-overlooked strong point of the movie, however, is the cinematography. So many rancid indie films are shot with shaky-cam or heavy shadows to emphasize the realism; Rocket Science makes unbelievable use of white light to the point of it being blinding, especially in the school scenes. The hallways look like they're glowing--an interesting contrast to the darkness of, say, the janitor's closet and Hal's house. I commend the artistry of whoever was behind those visuals; I'm impressed.But frankly: the combination of inane writing, random awkward silences, and annoying music forces me to turn it off about a third of the way through now. This is my third time watching it; the first two times I made it to the end and was highly disappointed both times. I regret throwing away the Blockbuster receipt, since now I have no hope of returning this little slice of pointlessness. Sorry.

Rocket Science is a bliss of love and awkwardness in the form of a film. The acting of the incredibly talented undiscovered cast is so wonderful that each character creates there own feel. Their own back story by saying nothing. Hal Hefner, a stuttering innocent living in a half-broken home; Ben Wexelbaum, a pressured prodigy trying to break free of the life that has had him lost for so long; and Ginny Ryerson, a using overachiever who lets nothing get in her way of getting what she wants. Each actor and actress is cast wonderfully and portrays their lives in such a way that it feels like an intricately true-to-life story. The wisdom of teenagers.Director Jeffrey Blitz blends and bends his direction to make it his own. The feel of a wondrous mixture of Wes and PT Anderson blended in with Jason Reitman, making a perfectly set and paced film that describes the pains of being a teenager. The social awkwardness, the heartfelt love and the loss of innocence. This film is absolutely astounding and is so amazingly well-done. About love and debates. Romance and plastic trophies. High school was never so bittersweet for these people. As Hal puts it at the end of the film, it shouldn't have to be...

I am a 30 year old male. When my wife suggested this movie I was not sure what to think. I really didn't want to watch it. I am so glad I did watch the movie. It was great to see such a real honest slice of life. I know people in real life just like all the characters. Some people don't really like the dry/goofy comedy in this movie but I loved it. I thought everything was great. It was nice to watch a movie and actually feel like you are living it.This movie may not be perfect for everyone. This is not the right movie for you if you are looking for a movie that will make you laugh the whole time. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.