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MEAN CREEK Directed by Jacob Aaron Estes
Certificate 15
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Rory Culkin (L) as Sam and Josh Peck (R) as George
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THE problem of bullying in our schools has recently become
a high profile issue and much cause for concern, so this small,
but meticulously put together movie exploring the issue is very
timely.
Having been bullied one time too many young Sam (Rory Culkin)
decides he’s had enough. Older brother Rocky (Trevor Morgan)
agrees with him and devises a plan whereby Sam and his friends
can teach the perpetrator George (Josh Peck) a lesson.
And so Sam, his girlfriend Millie (Carly Schroeder), Rocky and
his mates invite George on a boat trip along the local river where
they intend to dish out some ritual humiliation to the bully,
basically giving him a taste of his own medicine.
However, what starts as an idyllic day out gradually turns into
a nightmare journey where all these children must face up to adult
responsibility.
Director Estes builds the tension slowly, giving us time to understand
what makes each of these characters tick, and he is rewarded with
some outstanding performances.
Culkin is a screen natural, every emotion he feels plays across
his face, and he’s nicely complemented by the fresh naivety
of Schroeder. But best of all is Josh Peck as bully George, who
manages to create a totally three-dimensional, believable person
out of a thoroughly nasty, disagreeable character.
This is a rite of passage tale with an extremely serious, sober
outcome and food for thought for those who believe in an eye for
an eye.
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