Syl
This film is an okay coming of age story. Jason Ritter and Jesse Eisenberg play childhood friends who meet up later on at Charlie's Ivy League college three years later after an incident. The story begins in their neighborhood in Greenwich Village section of New York City. Charlie's father owns and runs a bookstore but we don't know much about Jason Ritter's Mick character. The story is about bullying and intimidation. Charlie witnesses a crime but recants and that is all I'll say about it without spoiling it for other readers. Three years later, he's in college with his friend, Danny. Mick shows up and takes over his territory in a manner of speaking with friends and the girl he likes. The film is okay but not brilliant. The writing is a bit weak at times. There doesn't seem to be much suspense when we know the secret from the beginning. Anyway, Ritter and Eisenberg do well with the weak script.
Mike B
For about the first half hour or so this movie is OK and appears to be going someplace. After, it just dwindles into a lot of college dialogue. It's all a little stale and lacking in any of the tension that existed in the first part of the film. It's trying desperately to make a statement on juvenile delinquents, crime, guilt and that type of thing and never succeeds. Also why do the guys keeping hugging each other every time they meet?I kept waiting for something of significance to occur but aside from some pretty girls and a short hot-tub scene it's a fast forward movie. It's a poor version of 'The Talented Mr. Ripley'.
Jim
This is one very boring movie from beginning to end. Jesse Eisenberg is especially so, and annoying as well. The movie is mostly about the competitiveness of those on a college campus, to see who can be the wittiest and most pretentiousness. Eisenberg's clever banter that he uses as a defense, wears thin very quickly.Jason Ritter's acting wasn't bad, but the character that he played seemed to be a bit exaggerated and over the top. One of the minor characters, Mr. Banks (Charlie's father) played by Dennis Boutsikaris was good, but it was a relatively small roll. Sebastian Stan (Leo) seems like a good actor, but the nature of his character seemed unbelievable.There really didn't seem to be much of a story, so of course, it never really went anywhere. I couldn't recommend this movie to anyone.There was a few good songs used as background, but that certainly doesn't make for a good movie on it's own.There aren't a lot of comments on the movie at this point, and almost all of them are glowing in their praise. I felt obligated to post a negative opinion. This is not a good movie.
mlemo
This is a touching story filled with breakout performances. Jason Ritter hit it out of the park and so did Jesse Eisenberg. Most of the film is set in the 80s, and the style of cinematography brings you right into the East Village 25 years ago. Nearly every character was captivating, including Ritter, Eisenberg and hilarious Sebastian Stan. The plot is rich...even the music was first class. If I had to say one bad thing about the film I would have a hard time. I caught it in NY on Saturday night and anyone who has seen it knows that these films are few and far between. The audience applauded well into the credits. I am bringing my girlfriend back to see it tomorrow or Wednesday.