Mary's Review
For a movie with so many stars, surprisingly, The Chumscrubber went under the radar. I tend to keep my eyes peeled for new indie releases at the video store, since some of the best films aren’t advertised to the general public; I was lucky to have found this little gem of a film. During the summer of 2005, I don't remember seeing trailers on television for this film; I think it is unfortunate since it is such a good movie. When you see the list of movie stars that are part of The Chumscrubber, you will be blown away!
The trailer for this film is sort of deceptive; it makes the movie look like a perky comedy, but The Chumscrubber is not a comedy and is far from perky.
The Chumscrubber is a dark indie-style film based on a perfect-looking community in suburbia. Under the surface of the polished facade are individuals dealing with some heavy situations. Several different stories play out during the film, but the movie revolves around a group of rebellious teens who try to kidnap the little brother of a hated peer. If you are reminded of Alpha Dog's kidnapping theme, I understand; however, this is just one of the many twisted storylines in this movie.
When watching this movie, the rule of thumb is: the more perfect someone seems, the more messed up they really are. Each character is trying to fill the void in their lives with either, drugs, alcohol, prescription medication, sex, power, money, etc., but the community's perfect shell begins to crack when a neighboring teen hangs himself. Although the movie explores some serious real-life issues, the subtle humor and pops of bizarre CGI fantasy make this movie a one-of-a-kind.
This is nothing like Donnie Darko; but, if you like the style and feel of Donnie Darko, then you will like The Chumscrubber.
Of the star-studded cast, pay attention to the young lead actors- I think they have very successful careers in their futures. I am excited to see the careers of these young actors and the future films of this innovative director. What great performances by the whole cast! I hope that you take my word for it, stay away from the trailer, and watch The Chumscrubber.
I imagine that this movie will provoke some fascinating conversation, and hopefully, a few interesting comments on this site!
The trailer for this film is sort of deceptive; it makes the movie look like a perky comedy, but The Chumscrubber is not a comedy and is far from perky.
The Chumscrubber is a dark indie-style film based on a perfect-looking community in suburbia. Under the surface of the polished facade are individuals dealing with some heavy situations. Several different stories play out during the film, but the movie revolves around a group of rebellious teens who try to kidnap the little brother of a hated peer. If you are reminded of Alpha Dog's kidnapping theme, I understand; however, this is just one of the many twisted storylines in this movie.
When watching this movie, the rule of thumb is: the more perfect someone seems, the more messed up they really are. Each character is trying to fill the void in their lives with either, drugs, alcohol, prescription medication, sex, power, money, etc., but the community's perfect shell begins to crack when a neighboring teen hangs himself. Although the movie explores some serious real-life issues, the subtle humor and pops of bizarre CGI fantasy make this movie a one-of-a-kind.
This is nothing like Donnie Darko; but, if you like the style and feel of Donnie Darko, then you will like The Chumscrubber.
Of the star-studded cast, pay attention to the young lead actors- I think they have very successful careers in their futures. I am excited to see the careers of these young actors and the future films of this innovative director. What great performances by the whole cast! I hope that you take my word for it, stay away from the trailer, and watch The Chumscrubber.
I imagine that this movie will provoke some fascinating conversation, and hopefully, a few interesting comments on this site!
Cast
Peer Reviews
- Lead: Jamie Bell as “Dean”
- Leading Lady: Camilla Bell
- Lee Taylor Pucci
- Villan: Justin Chatwin
- Victim: Thomas Curtis
- Little Brother: Rory Culkin
- Friend's mom: Glen Close
- Shrink dad: William Fichtner
- Town Mayor: Ralph Fiennes
- Sherrif: John Heard
- Lauren Holly
- Jason Isaachs
- Allison Janney
- Carrie-Anne Moss
- Rita Wilson
“Such is the sordid state of affairs in that emerging genre that might be termed suburban noir, as it inches ever closer to horror and the supernatural.” -by Prairie Miller (from Rotten Tomatoes)
"This movie is so geniously thought out and funny. It pokes fun at and seriously addresses society at the same time!" -by Havanabana14 (from Flixter)
“A true original -- bleakly funny; exhilaration unpredictable; and, by the end, strangely optimistic in the way its characters, for better or worse, get what’s coming to them.” -by Jim Lane (from Rotten Tomatoes)
-Leave a comment and I might post it here!
General Information
- Tagline: "Meet generation Rx."
- Written and Directed by Arie Posin.
- Read an interview with the director and producer.
- Go to the Chumscrubber interactive MySpace page & listen to 4 songs from the soundtrack.
- Listen to Phanton Planet performing the indie-folkrock cover of "Our House" from the movie soundtrack:
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