This Boy's Life

Day 197 - 7/16/09 - Movie #197

BEFORE: Just about a week left in my De Niro Fest - and when it ends, I'll be just about ready to board the plane for San Diego. From a 1940's setting we move to the 1950's, for this period piece co-starring Ellen Barkin and Leonardo DiCaprio.

THE PLOT: The story about the relationship between a rebellious 50s teenager and his abusive father, based on the memoirs of writer and literature professor Tobias Wolff.

AFTER: It's a battle of wills between DiCaprio's Toby and De Niro as his stepfather, Dwight. It seems for a while like things might work out, since Dwight at first just acts like a normal, dorky guy - even when we learn that Dwight's a little strict, Toby seems like a kid who could use a little more discipline in his life, maybe even a few boxing tips. But when Dwight turns into an abusive tyrant with impossible house rules, the relationship doesn't seem so constructive, and Toby starts looking for a way out. He tries to get out of Concrete, Washington (great name, BTW) by applying to a prep school, which means changing his school record and forging some recommendation letters - so again I question, do two wrongs make a right?

The school representative who interviews him was played by Gerrit Graham, who I happened to meet in the real world this past Monday...weird. I've probably seen him in a bunch of movies, though I might have mistaken him for David Paymer...though after reviewing his IMDB profile, the only movie I can confirm is "C.H.U.D. II: Bud the Chud" (don't ask).

RATING: 5 out of 10 merit badges

DENIR-O-METER: 6 - for pulling off a quirky, dorky, bullying meathead. That seems like it might have been a difficult balance to obtain.