Rating: Summary: Eh...no Review: This would have been an enjoyable bit of fluff for me. It had many of the elements that I loved about Rushmore - overly smart kid in love with older woman that's way out of his league. There's a definite charm in the concept and it's nice seeing Sigourney Weaver and Bebe Neuwirth working in actual roles.The problem I had with this movie was that it reminded me too much of the horrid <b>Igby Goes Down</b>. If you liked that movie, don't mind me, but the flaws of that movie carries over (if in a lesser extent) to this movie. You got the "oh-so-smart" kid being oh-so-charming and isn't he so precious. You got the clueless wealthy adults that are having a wonderful time of it. You got New York and the fact that this kid can go anywhere in New York that he wants. You got a lot of angst over really nothing at all. It's puerile and it's annoying. If you want something about a rich too-smart-for-his-own-good kid wandering in New York, just read <b>The Catcher in the Rye</b> again. These movies try to invoke that sensibility but as everyone knows - there's no way you can adapt The Catcher in the Rye to screen. I suppose I should give it points for trying, but I really didn't like this movie.
Rating: Summary: Entertaining and slightly different Review: Unlike some of the other reviewers, I thoroughly enjoyed this little film, which I came across entirely by accident. The premise is intriguing with a cast - Sigourney Weaver, John Ritter, Bebe Neuwirth - guaranteed to provide real acting, although young Aaron Stanford easily steals the show (Bebe gives him a good run for the money though). The script is articulate and witty (quite rare qualities these days) and intelligence is displayed in all other departments. Apart from Bebe Neuwirth's vampish turns, it is not a laugh out loud comedy - but you find yourself smiling a lot while watching it. My wife and I repeatedly commented during the film about how much it reminded us of one of Francois Truffaut's films - particularly the Antoine Doinel stories. The similarities between Oscar and Antoine are truly striking and the overall French flavour of the piece is surely not accidental. Other reviewers have complained about the directorial style and look of Tadpole, but this a large part of its charm. In fact, the Truffaut influence is what really endeared the film to us. Yes, the running time is somewhat short but you still feel satisfied at the end. Tadpole is a film for anyone who appreciates something a little bit different.
Rating: Summary: Do you want some really good laughs? See this movie! Review: What a sophisticated and laughter-plus movie! I feared the fellow next to me would tumble into the aisle from nearly out-of-body laughter. Please, more movies like this -- made to entertain. Yet not silly entertainment NOW, WHY CAN'T I BUY THE CD MUSICAL SCORE? The music was delicious. SG/Palo Alto CA
Rating: Summary: Surprisingly good Review: What a surprise. It's too bad the movie trailers made the film look like a sex fest because this film is actually a very touching account of the adolescent struggle. Although Aaron Stanford, the 15 year old anti-hero, was completely oogy and gross, Bebe Neuwirth & Sigourney Weaver were able to be completely believable as the objects of his affection. And, despite his general unattractiveness there was a delicious energy throughout the whole film...I found myself experiencing the same feelings I had when reading Catcher in the Rye (although this movie is about a poseur who just wants to bag his stepmother and not on the level of intellect as that great work!).
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