Starring – Josh Peck, Ben Kingsley, Olivia Thirlby
Director – Jonathan Levine
Domestic Gross – $2,077,166
Running Time – 95 minutes
The Wackness is one of those straight to DVD (it did get a limited release, but it was never anywhere near Boston) films that makes me keep checking out straight to DVD releases. This is a story set in 1994 NYC about an oddball teenage pot dealer named Shapiro (Peck). His life is one of uncomfortable situations. He lacks the confidence to be better in school or with the ladies and at home his parents’ struggles in their own lives complicate his relationships with them. As a result he now trades weed for therapy with psychiatrist, Dr. Squires (Kingsley). The psychiatrist also happens to be the stepfather of a cute (read “out of his league”) girl from school named Stephanie played by Olivia Thirlby. It’s a simple if kinda ridiculous story with a phenomenal early 90s hip-hop soundtrack. There’s even a cameo from Method Man playing Shapiro’s Jamaican supplier. Kingsley is hilarious and touching as the troubled, drug addicted psychiatrist. Thirlby is cute and funny again. I loved her in Juno and she didn’t disappoint here. The real surprise though is Josh Peck. He played the little fat kid in one of my personal favorite guilty pleasures, Disney's Snow Day, and is better known for multiple shows on Nick, but the kid can act. I’m looking forward to seeing him in the future. The Wackness isn’t going to blow you away, but I really just enjoyed it throughout. If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary check it out.
I’m Mike D and I approve this message.
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