Earlier this year I saw ROCKET SCIENCE on DVD and loved it. Like many films, my initial viewing is my only viewing, so I moved on from it.
Recently, a blogger mentioned actress Anna Kendrick being cast in the new Jason Reitman film. I pointed out how good she was in ROCKET SCIENCE, which got me to want to see it again.
Watching it again, I don’t think I praised it enough in my initial 4 1/2 star review.
This could very well turn into one of my favorite films of this decade.
I honestly believe that if say Wes or Paul Thomas Anderson’s name was on this, (instead of Jeffrey Blitz, the director of the documentary SPELLBOUND and episodes of THE OFFICE) it would have a huge following. I think it is a better film than RUSHMORE with moments that remind me of MAGNOLIA.
And Anna Kendrick gives a performance that is arguably as good as Reese Witherspoon’s in ELECTION. Her fast talking performance is truly astounding.
I decided to make a list of some of my favorite moments from the film. And these are mostly from the first half hour. I didn’t want to give anything away.
1. “46 miles away” - The opening narration, reminiscent of MAGNOLIA, perfectly sets the mood for the film.
2. “Lincoln’s a chick!”
3. “I’ve ferreted you” - Being Recruited for the debate team.
4. The wave
5. “It’s lucky I’m not dating someone from Trenton”
6. “Do you have any idea what public property is?”
7. “An old couple working on their marriage through music therapy”
8. “That’s the worst thing anyone’s ever said to me”
9. “Would you be interested in joining my club?” - Even though Jonah Hill appears in only two scenes in a library (as a guy starting a philosphy club), I wish the film was rereleased on DVD with his picture on the front, just to get people to watch it.. 
10. “Sylvia? No tip for you tonight” - Also features the best use of the Violent Femmes “Kiss Off”
11.“There’s a cello in your house now”
I could add more, but many of them are in the trailer (posted at the top).
And, I don’t want to give anything away.
The film also contains one of the most perfect theme songs, “I Love The Unknown” by Clem Snide.
If you have never seen ROCKET SCIENCE, add it to your Netflix queue.
ROCKET SCIENCE is available on HBO Home Video.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
ROCKET SCIENCE: One of the Decade's Best
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6 comments:
Jim,
I think this looks like a great film. I'm a little skeptical of the quote "the little film that could" harkening back to Little Miss Sunshine and Juno that I think have been overblown in popularity.
But I will definitely check it out.
Believe it or not, I have yet to see it, and my Netflix que is now full again, but I believe "Bottle Rocket" may have already been listed, but I would prefer to see the Criterion edition.
I think Anna Kendrick is gonna take over the world. "Rocket Science" is easily her crowning achievement for now, but I remember how handily she stole "Camp" from all the boring little theater geeks in one hilarious scene. ("She's fucked, I'm ready, and the goddamn show must go on!") She's also the best thing in "Twilight" by a country mile.
I'm loving your attention to "Rocket Science", as I feel the same way you do about it.
I kept getting this movie's trailer mixed up with Charlie Bartlett and Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, which all seemed like one movie to me. Based on your review, I'm going to go add Rocket Science to my queue. It's not every day you score something at 4 stars!
Clem Snide is awesome
Piper, Tilly, Joe, add it to your queues. It is a must see. Money back guarantee. Errr, maybe not. But it is worth it.
Mike, she was great in CAMP too. I didn't realize she was in TWILIGHT until after it was released, or I might have been interested in it. The Jason Reitman film sounds interesting now, even though I disliked JUNO.
And Lucas, since posting that Clem Snide song, I can't get it out of my head. Honestly, it is getting really bad. I just can't get it out of my head!!! It is getting painful!! I keep hearing "I love the unknoooown".
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