Movie Review: The Wackness

In a summer filled with blockbuster hits like Indiana Jones and Sex and the City, it's easy to overlook some great films that just fly under the radar. This year's underrated summer flick is The Wackness. Overshadowed by all the Marvel superheroes, you might have never heard of this little gem. But don't let the under promotion keep you from catching this year's indie darling.

Set in New York in the summer of 1994, the movie provides a shockingly real depiction of an era not so long passed. It is the story of a high school graduate, Luke, played by Josh Peck, and his relationship with his therapist, played by Sir Ben Kingsley, to whom he sells marijuana in exchange for therapy. Throughout the summer, the young man comes of age as he falls in love with his therapist's step-daughter. It is a touching story, terribly sad at times but definitely hilarious.

The fact that this is such a recent time period seems like it would be a deterrent to the movie. But they captured the hip hop culture of the 90's without focusing on it and coming off as cheesy. It will make you look fondly upon a time when mix tapes were all the rage and Notorious B.I.G. jams were brand new. Unlike last years' Juno, which had everyone wondering, "Does anyone really talk like that?" The Wackness uses dialogue in a very subtle way, which makes it realistic and quite refreshing. Instead of coming off as a caricature of the year, it might as well have been filmed then.

The writing was flawlessly brought to life by a stellar cast. Who knew Nickelodeon's Drake and Josh could spawn such a talented actor? Peck holds his own alongside Kingsley who delivers a consistently hilarious and poignant portrayal of Dr. Squires. Their evolving relationship keeps the story moving forward even when it seems like nothing is happening. The object of Luke's affection is the talented Olivia Thirlby, who believably captures the fun-loving fickle nature of the average teenager.

Bringing up the rear were Mary Kate Olsen and Method Man who had small but fun parts. Method Man's performance is memorable if nothing else because his Jamaican accent makes him sound like a woman. The accent was definitely a questionable decision though the part was well acted nonetheless. Olsen shows off her acting chops as a druggie hippie who stumbles in and out of Luke's life and who will be remembered in this movie for making out with Kingsley in a phone booth.

The title comes from a line in the movie that perfectly sums up what you should expect when you see it: I see the dopeness in everything, and you just see the wackness.