IMDb user comments for
Thumbsucker (2005) More at IMDbPro »

Filter:

Best Chronological Prolific Authors Loved It Hated It Hide Spoilers:

Page 1 of 10:

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]

Index

91 comments in total

---

59 out of 68 people found the following comment useful :-
Your Thumb Doesn't Need You, 29 September 2005

Author: David Ferguson (fergusontx@gmail.com) from Dallas, Texas

Greetings again from the darkness. Very few things provide me the thrill of watching a movie with a great story, interesting characters, wonderful acting and professional direction. This is the case even when I realize that of all the people I know, 97 out of 100 will not see the film. Such is "Thumbsucker".

Director and co-writer Mike Mills presents the film version of Walter Kirn's novel and nails the issues we all face with relationships and life. So many teen angst movies provide us one dimensional adults or even one dimensional teens. This film shows the struggles we all face at every age and every stage in life. Catherine Hardwicke's "Thirteen" was a powerful movie focusing on girls. "Thumbsucker" is every bit as powerful, if not a bit softer in its approach.

Relative newcomer Lou Taylor Pucci is stunning and brilliant as Justin, the seventeen year old thumbsucker who, along with 98% of the others his age, just can't seem to figure out what its all about. His character turns out to be one of the lucky ones who finally determines that none of us really get it. That includes his friends, parents, teachers, orthodontist and celebrities.

The supporting actors are stellar and very well cast. Justin's parents are played well by the great Tilda Swinton (slightly underused here) and Vincent D'Onofrio. His hypnotist would-be guru orthodontist is hilariously played by Keanu Reeves and Benjamin Bratt is the TV celeb whom Justin's mom carries a torch for. Vince Vaughn flashes some real acting chops as Justin's Debate Team sponsor. This is not the typical punchline Vince that we have come to expect. A real standout is Kelli Garner as Rebecca, Justin's first crush. This role was originally going to Scarlett Johansson which would have been a mistake. Garner is so believable as the would be world saver if she could just understand why everyone acts the way they do. Looking forward to more of her work.

For a movie that tackles such tough subject matter, it does an amazing job of keeping the viewer from being depressed. There is actually hope in the message. The soundtrack was a bit of a distraction at times, but not enough to ruin any particular scene. Also, there is a story line about Ridlin and ADHD that would require a thesis to to describe my disgust. This is a film that deserves a bigger audience than it will reach. Sadly, too many will line up to see "Proof" which only impersonates an important film.

---

65 out of 83 people found the following comment useful :-
good movie after all, 17 August 2005

Author: k jones from Long Beach, CA

I was really expecting to not like Thumbsucker. I don't care for "teen angst" movies. Now having seen Thumbsucker, I'm really confused as to why Sony would market it in this genre (teen angst = teen $, I guess) and why its below the 5-star mark here at IMDb. It's really a remarkable movie. When it hits its stride, about 30 minutes in, it gets to places that few movies ever get to with respects to growing up, family dynamics, being a teen, being an adult, just generally being human.

When I saw Thumbsucker, the screening was followed up with Q&A with the director and a few of the actors. Apparently they were all pretty dedicated to their rehearsals and developing the character's relationships. Their hard work paid off with an exceptional movie.

---

70 out of 96 people found the following comment useful :-
Great performances from lead and Reeves, funny movie with some good messages, 26 August 2005

Author: Richard Brunton (imdb-update@brunton.org.uk) from Edinburgh, Scotland

Keanu Reeves is so funny in this movie. He has some superb lines to deliver, and superbly done. I couldn't decide if there was some tongue in cheek writing going on while thinking about his previous roles in Point Break and Matrix, subtle sayings and nuances of the character just made me think of that and laugh. Anyway, that's the first thing that has to be said, he is superb in the movie as Dr. Perry Lyman, the transcendental dentist! A similar mention needs to be given for Benjamin Bratt as Matt Schraam, you'll know him when you see him, who plays a TV Cop entered into drug rehabilitation and is struggling to stay on the straight and narrow. His performance is extremely tongue in cheek...and indeed hand in...well. Let's say that he was willing to have much more than just the mickey taken out of him.

Vince Vaughn also surprised me with a really good performance as Mr. Geary, the teacher in charge of the debating team. From what I've seen of him before he really does back down his performance and play a strong role. I was impressed by his acting, and I really will have to re-evaluate my opinion of his talent after this movie.

Since I'm talking about the talent in the movie I'll keep going and give the biggest and most deserved mention to the lead, Lou Taylor Pucci as Justin Cobb, the teenager who is just starting out on his journey of really growing up, finding girls, himself and a new relationship with his parents, something we've all been through (unless you were finding boys!) around that age and we have all faced with equally different results. It's only in this role that I've ever seen him act, and he does so perfectly convincingly, he doesn't falter at all throughout the movie. On screen he's totally engaging, as many actors far older than him must aspire to, his face just draws your eyes to him and with a subtle and almost meek performance he commands the scenes he enters.

It's interesting when looking at the roles of the parents. For the most part of the movie I thought Vincent D'Onofrio was the weaker part and the lesser actor, however I ended up feeling that this was down to his role and that of the dysfunctional Father who is having severe problems coming to terms with his own life. Likewise I felt that Tilda Swinton was the stronger actor of the two, until the Father gained more scenes, then I felt she was much weaker and her storyline seemed relegated to merely showing us that another of the characters has their own problems, and to introduce us to Matt Schraam, the addicted to anything actor.

At the beginning of the movie we find that Jason has a problem, he sucks his thumb for comfort and the movie shows us in an easy and effective way what he actually feels and hopes for during these moments. The movie is about a few things, but really about the fact that we're all messed up in some way, we all have problems, and we all have to deal with them. It just makes it easier if we open up a little and deal with them together. Through the film it explores this through the idea of addiction, and how some people need to be addicted to something to get them through, from the extreme of the actor to the lead himself who starts out addicted to sucking his thumb.

Another issue brought out of this movie is the idea that drugs are the answer, and that if there is a problem with someone then they immediately should turn to a Doctor and attempt a cure. The idea that a miracle pill is the answer to everything is explored very well in the movie. It's clever actually that many of these issues are sneaked in through the back door (sorry Schraam!), in that there's a light and a humorous angle to many of the scenes yet we're dealing with a big and contentious issue. The moment where Jacob and the parents are sitting in with the Teachers discussing his symptoms and suddenly the answer is the magic pill for Attention Deficit Disorder. These symptoms being, as the mother describes, as vague as easily distracted, fidgeting, etc. In other words, a teenager! That scene is very strong, and at that moment when the Teachers leap you don't know whether to laugh or feel awkward and ashamed that society has turned so easily to drugs being the answer instead of trying to turn to each other, open up a little, and not being so wrapped up in yourselves.

It's filmed really well, and apart from the dream\comforting scenes and the representation of the effects of the ADD drug, you forget that you're watching a camera filming the movie. In fact I can't remember being aware of the shots themselves, which is an excellent thing and means that I turned to the movie and really got pulled in.

Although the ending is a little twee, and it is really a feel good movie, it's the journey that is the important part and what is said on the way. It has an interesting look at how families behave and keeps you wondering where everything is going to turn out. In particular it has a lot to say about addiction, drugs, and both teen and adult angst.

It's a funny movie, with Reeves getting the biggest laughs without a doubt, it's also very serious but given to you in a lighter tone. I'm really glad I went to see this and I was surprised to have liked it so much. It had a lot to say in an easy digestible style, much like the pill for ADD, I'd prescribe this to anyone in a heartbeat.

---

50 out of 60 people found the following comment useful :-
Not your typical teenager, 8 October 2005

Author: jotix100 from New York

"Thumbsucker", one of the most original movies playing locally, deserves to be seen by a wider audience. Mike Mills, its director, has adapted Walter Kirn's novel with honesty and integrity, giving the viewer a picture of a young man and his family at a difficult time in their lives and how they relate and cope with the situation. This is no typical teenage coming of age as interpreted by Hollywood.

The film is an intelligent account of Justin's life and what makes him act the way he does. His home life seems to be the root of all the problems and his addiction to suck his thumb is a way to escape reality because he finds comfort in doing so. Justin is clearly a teenager in turmoil because he doesn't fit in the large scheme of things.

"Thumbsucker" makes a valid point about how easy it is to prescribe drugs for what seems to be afflicting Justin: Attention Deficit Disorder. In fact, what those pills are doing are creating a false security blanket for the young man, who awakens in time to realize the drug he is taking a form of "speed".

The work by Lou Taylor Pucci in the film is amazing. As Justin he shows an intelligence and naturalness well beyond his years. Tilda Swinton and Vincent D'Onofrio are seen as the confused parents. Keanu Reeves and Vince Vaughn make excellent appearances in roles that are different to what they usually play.

The film work because the good ensemble Mike Mills assembled for the movie.

---

36 out of 44 people found the following comment useful :-
beautiful, charming, touching, excellent., 21 September 2005

Author: Bluesnfire401 from United States

this movie was absolutely beautiful in so many ways. as an adolescent Justin, the main character, struggles with trying to stop sucking his thumb, the film creatively explores issues of identity, self-worth, achievement, family dynamics and so many other elements of life that are difficult to articulate. The film is fun and funny, but at the same time cleverly portrays the hard parts of growing up and communicates a profound and moving message. i was fortunate enough to see this movie BEFORE it was released in theaters with a Q and A portion after the film, with the director, Mike Mills. he was every bit as charming and clever as his film and his personality could be clearly seen in the film's character. I'd recommend this movie to anyone who appreciates a good laugh, a good story, or a touching picture of what it means to be human.

---

15 out of 17 people found the following comment useful :-
Your rite of passage is whatever you make it, 2 November 2005

Author: purrrpuss from United Kingdom

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

There was a time when, in the western world, there wasn't a word for what we now know as 'teenager'. I've no doubt everyone nevertheless experienced all those emotions and thought processes that we go through in making the transition from child to adult. Somehow now, just naming that time (being a teenager), isn't enough either for the young person themselves or anyone else dealing with them as they muddle through with their personal set of 'growing-up' issues. Thumbsucker is an absolute delight. It is down to earth, funny, insightful, moving, instructive and very engaging. This is as a result of some very fine acting of a very well crafted script from a clearly wonderful storyline. The only quibble I had was with the choice of music - for me, it mostly didn't add to or colour the action, rather the opposite. There was one exception and that was when we see Justin sitting in the orthodontists waiting room - oh yes, if you've ever been there, this is the music you'll hear where ever there is 'new age''spiritual' happy-clappy stuff on offer. Interesting that it is this, alongside the later drug treatment that provide the 'magic bullet' to stop the 'problem behaviour'. Happily, the film ends returning Justin's harmless (except to his teeth)self comforter to him. A masterful treatment of a common reality for, I suspect, more people than will be enticed to see it. The title 'Thumbsucker' seems entirely right, yet, I can see that it would put off a sizeable proportion of the potential audience. And that is a real crying shame.

---

21 out of 31 people found the following comment useful :-
A positive story of growing up, 19 September 2005

Author: cinna665 from Helsinki, Finland

I saw Thumbsucker yesterday at Helsinki Movie Festival and was really positively surprised. I was not expecting much from a teen movie, but this one really made its way to my heart.

The story is about a 17-year-old Justin who has problems with his self confidence, and that causes him to suck his thumb. His tough guy father (Vincent D'Onofrio) of course does not like this, which makes it even worse. His mother (Tilda Swinton) lives in dreams and does not really seem to care what's going on in her family. His weirdo dentist (Keanu Reeves) uses even hypnosis to help him to get rid of his thumbsucking...

The story is about growing up, and Lou Taylor Pucci as Justin delivers a brilliant job. But the main thing are the "sidekicks": Reeves the dentist and Benjamin Bratt as a totally weird drug addict actor and Vince Vaughn as Justin's teacher just do it, give some laughter to the otherwise serious story, and make this movie enjoyment.

---

22 out of 33 people found the following comment useful :-
Austin Movie Show review, 9 October 2005

Author: leilapostgrad from Austin, TX

I sucked my thumb as a child. But unlike Lou Taylor Pucci's character in this film, I had quit sucking my thumb long before high school. Justin is a senior in high school, he's shy, awkward, insecure, and his self-esteem is not helped by the fact that he's a 17 year-old thumbsucker. At its core, Thumbsucker is an adorable teenage comedy about addictions, bad habits, and the emotional crutches we reply on whenever we feel pain. Thanks to his hippy, new-age orthodontist (Keanu Reeves), Justin is hypnotized into thinking his thumb tastes horrible, so he quits. But the end of one addiction merely marks the beginning of the next, and Justin soon convinces himself that his ADHD medication will change his life. But why are we so consumed with changing? Is thumb-sucking really such a bad habit after all? It's healthier than smoking crack. Thumbsucker is pure joy from beginning to end.

---

4 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Avoid at all cost, 3 November 2006

Author: domu_00 from London

This movie was just terrible. It was a complete waste of time and money, and although I am a fan of Keanu Reaves and Vince, they really should have avoided this script.

I watched quite a while back, so can't really comment on the editing, etc - but the bitter after-taste still lingers and when I came across it here on IMDb, had to vent some latent frustration that had been pent up.

It's over-rated as a comedy, actually there's nothing remotely funny about it, and has no direction as a "coming-of-age" movie.

My advice : save yourself the hassle of returning to this page and commenting on how much this movie sucked.

---

5 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-
what happened?, 5 February 2006

Author: brokentwilight19 from Pennsylvania, America

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

I rented this really wanting to enjoy this film, i like this genre,i think it had some strong actors,however i was disappointed it seemed forced it reminded me of "garden state" another painful film...

It was full of moments where justin would deliver a supposedly profound line, pause, as if to suddenly inspire you,he wasn't a bad actor he just seemed very misplaced.

I found rebecca to just be simply ridiculous she delivered her lines with the expressiveness of dried paint, she tried to be the quirky yet cute girl next door, then the dark broken stoner girl, roles few can pull off. How is it that this movie had so much acclaim? watching this movie simply made teenagers look like angsty,medicated,sex crazed fools. i felt the irony of keanu reeves character just over the top and to awkward. i feel as though this film had some potential. I also sensed and element of Imaginary Heroes,a movie that has stayed with me almost as a guide as to what this genre can truly but but rarely is.

---

---

Page 1 of 10:

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]

Add another comment

---

Related Links

Plot summary	Ratings	Awards
Newsgroup reviews	External reviews	Parents Guide
Official site	Plot keywords	Main details
Your user comments	Your vote history