ROCKET SCIENCE

"Begin"

After losing the State Debating Championship after her partner froze in the final, Ginny Ryerson (Kendrick) is determined to mould someone new to make sure she wins the only trophy that is eluding her. Her unlikely choice is stuttering, recluse Hal Hefner (Thompson), who never talks to anyone and can't even order the lunch he wants. With a beautiful girl giving him some attention, Hal is determined to impress her but as his first contest approaches he still can't even say his opening address.

Quirky, character driven High School movies are nothing new but 'Rocket Science' is one film that will get you debating what makes a great teen movie.

After gaining an Oscar nomination for his documentary for 'Spellbound', writer/director Jeffery Blitz makes his first fictional feature movie with 'Rocket Science'. Leaving the spelling bee behind and moving to that other great bastion of the American high school English department, the Debate Team, Blitz makes the transition from documentary to fictional filmmaking with ease, creating a movie that is both funny and charming.

Competitive debates on current political topics might not sound the best idea for a movie plot but Jeffery Blitz's screenplay cleverly mixes in family problems, first love, obsession and stuttering to make a movie that is a little gem. With a troubled, emotionally stunted, lonely boy as his protagonist, Blitz creates a character in Hal Hefner that you instantly feel for and connect with. This is a boy who, through narration within his head by the way he would love to sound, has a lot to say but because of his stuttering he can't take get anything out. This makes for a character who instantly gains sympathy and you want to over come is disability but 'Rocket Science' isn't your typical Hollywood story and Jeffery Blitz cleverly doesn't offer an instant fix to all of Hal's problems.

Bringing this character to life is a superb performance from Reece Thompson. The young actor takes you into Hal's world that is filled with frustration and regret, as he never gets to say exactly what he wants to. The story sees the character awaken to life a little more, falling in love and finding some friends after spending most of his life shying away from everyone to make his lack of communication skills all the less evident. This growth of the character really gives Thompson something to work with and create a character that you want to succeed. Equally as good is the performance of Anna Kendrick as the calculating Ginny. She is a young woman who knows exactly what she wants and will do anything or tread on anyone who gets in her way. This is a standout role for Kendrick and one that will bring her fame and fortune in her future career. The supporting cast is also good, with Nicholas D'Agosto, Vincent Piazza, Aaron Yoo, Steve Park, Lisbeth Barlett and Josh Kay all adding to the quirkiness of the film.

'Rocket Science' is a little gem of a quirky, teen comedy. Little did you know that a movie about high school debating teams could be so enjoyable or have such a strong message of liking and believing in your self.

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in Widescreen 1.85:1 Anamorphic with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, the transfer is good.

BONUS FEATURES

Interview with Jeffrey Blitz (21.58 mins)
The writer/director talks about how his movie sits with 'Spellbound', moving to feature films from documentary, making the film work and casting. He also talks passionately about the career of Reece Thompson, coming him to other actors who have started their career with stronger roles. This is a good interview with a fascinating filmmaker.

Cast and Crew Interviews
Reece Thompson, Anna Kendrick, Nicholas D'Agosto and Aaron Yoo talk at the Sundance film festival about their characters and what the film means to them.

Theatrical Trailer
Watch the preview that showcased the movie in cinemas and on the Internet.

Trailers
Previews of 'Eagle vs. Shark', 'Brick', 'You and Me and Everyone We Know'

OVERALL

The DVD treatment for 'Rocket Science' is good for a low budget movie. The interviews with the writer/director and the cast are well worth a watch but the lack of a commentary track will come as a disappointment to fans.

DVD

Spellbound

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2007