Writer-director Tod Williams's pleasantly flawed film, like his title character, drifts amiably along, full of untapped possibilities. Adrian Grenier has a slouchy charisma as Sebastian, a teenager in upstate New York who ... more »is tired of school and realizes that the world only expects him to "get a haircut, pay taxes, [and] die." When his compassionate stepfather Hank (a serenely collected Clark Gregg) decides to live his life as a woman named Henrietta, it's only one more thing to challenge Sebastian's slowly developing worldview ("You care about too many people," his father tells him). Williams can't nudge his quirky musings into something larger, and the sex-change business becomes too much a dramatic contrivance, but the film moves with an affectingly low-key assurance. Better, Williams inspires his lead to convey without sentiment something rare in teen stories: unassuming, real affection for other human beings. --Steve Wiecking« less
Linda T. from SEAL BEACH, CA Reviewed on 6/8/2014...
Thoroughly enjoyed a visit to the 1980's and watching Sebastian (who looks pleasantly like John Taylor of Duran Duran, dressed in 80's jacket and flight pants!) as he navigates his vida loca. Hey how come the review form doesn't have a place for a review title? Other reviews have titles.
Movie Reviews
Excellent
M. Hencke | New York, NY United States | 02/04/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I rented this film because I recently saw "The Door In The Floor" (which is one of my favorite films of 2004) also directed by Tod Williams. Having seen this film (his debut) I am extremely impressed with his talents as a writer and director. I just love these characters (in both films). The feeling I had with this film and "The Door In The Floor" is I really didn't want either one of them to end. They could have gone on forever. Its rare for a film to leave you with that feeling...Let alone two films by the same writer/director. Williams is definitely a director to keep an eye on. And any film that ends with a Pixies song is always tops in my book. I am not a fan of the show Entourage but Adrian Grenier really blew me away with his performance in this touching and underrated indie film. I'm just sorry it took me this long to get around to seeing it."
Amazing
Monique Garmy | United States | 06/09/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i love this film. i remember watching the trailer years and years ago, and constantly having it on my brain. its kind of hard to come by, so im thrilled that amazon has it. i recommend this to anyone who enjoys a film that leaves you thinking and with a feeling of empowerment and knowledge."
Pretty good
Kim Nemeth | 06/13/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"i kept seeing previews for this movie and it looked like something i would really like. so i got it off amazon and it's pretty good. classic movie moments, a lot of adventuring but it seems incomplete. what ev. it's worth the money cause i'm gonna wanna watch it again. doo it."
Just Gets Better
Bizantino | 05/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first saw this film in 2001 and didn't see it again until 2008. I thought my tastes would have changed in between, but I liked it more - a true classic."