Oscar buzz may have arrived early thanks to top performances in The Wackness, a searing movie from Mongrel Media now lighting up audiences at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking) and The Fifth Avenue Cinemas. Counter-programming from producer Sony Pictures Classics perfectly fuels fun on a lavish scale as we immerse ourselves in the rather disjointed lives of some uptight, confused people.
Family strife hovers over activities in The Wackness. Set in the early 90s this drama sometimes comes across as a very dark, maybe even black comedy. Action here revolves around central character Luke Shapiro. Home base for Luke is New York City where he lives with his parents. Things seem to be good for the lad who is just going through the pangs of graduating from high school. Grade 12 can be tough for kids who feel somewhat left out and Luke gets by courtesy of some freelance drug dealing.
One of Luke’s outlets is a regular visit to Dr. Squires, a psychiatrist. Dysfunction runs through this man’s practice and his home life. What these two men have in common is Stephanie, Dr. Squires rather worldly daughter whom lonely Luke yearns for.
From there things go further off the rails as both home fronts undergo unbelievable change that sends the doctor and patient on a truly bizarre collision course like no other. Under the able guidance of director Jonathan Levine audiences get a chance to see a story that is very original and highly engaging with maybe even a touch of reality also thrown in for good measure.
Standout performances from a number of actors here may well be heard come Oscar time when those coveted statues get handed out. At the very least a number of people here should get nominated if members of the Academy can remember back half a year.
Relative newcomer Josh Peck (Mean Creek) anchors this movie and puts in a wonderful portrayal of a kid trying to make ends meet while learning all about life. Much more experienced Dr. Squires come across as the ultimate doctor feel good with Sir Ben Kingsley (Gandhi) wonderful in his caricature of a truly bizarre shrink who may need a good dose of his own medicine just to get by.
Another pleasant surprise here is the wonderful work of Olivia Thirlby (Juno) bound to grab all viewers’ rapt attention as the engaging Stephanie. Rounding out the cast is 007 veteran Famke Janssen as a rather aloof woman in a sort of throw away part.
Strong dialogue that’s realistic, gritty atmosphere of the underside of society and mean streets collide with two families seemingly heading nowhere if not lower make The Wackness full of fun for those into grit, reality and sparkling performances that are original and memorable that will stick with you long after the curtain comes up.
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The Wackness (PG) * * * *
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