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"Thumbsucker" DVD Review

About.com Rating four out of Five

By Rebecca Murray, About.com

"Thumbsucker" on DVD

© Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

The Bottom Line

Just by reading the synopsis of "Thumbsucker" it might seem easy to dismiss the film as yet another "Donnie Darko" wannabe. But that would be a big mistake. "Thumbsucker's" an original, intriguing, and altogether interesting take on life in high school, as well as an indictment against the too easily prescribed mood altering drugs used to make teens feel 'normal'.
Pros
  • Tilda Swinton, Vincent D'Onofrio, Vince Vaughn...All reasons to see "Thumbsucker"
  • Not just another troubled teen growing up in suburbia film
  • Lou Pucci's breakthrough performance is worth witnessing
Cons
  • No deleted scenes, extended takes, or cast commentary

Description

  • Commentary by Writer/Director Mike Mills - Mills begins by explaining he's not a fan of commentaries
  • Behind the Scenes Documentary - Bringing the book to the big screen and casting "Thumbsucker"
  • Conversation with Mike Mills and Novelist Walter Kirn - Kirn's very happy with Mills' film version
  • DVD Release Date: January 17, 2006

Guide Review - "Thumbsucker" DVD Review

Lou Pucci stars as Justin Cobb, a 17-year-old who can't seem to shake the habit of sucking his thumb. Justin's thumbsucking habit is a real point of contention between he and his father (Vincent D'Onofrio) and even though Justin knows it's a bad habit, he's been unsuccessful in resisting the urge to plop his thumb into his mouth when the mood strikes him.

Aware that thumbsucking plays a large role in affecting the way he associates with his peers and his family, Justin tries out a couple of different techniques to help him break the habit. First, he turns to his unorthodox orthodontist (Keanu Reeves) who tries to help Justin by hypnosis. When that doesn't work, Justin turns to prescription drugs to help him feel normal. But that prompts the question: what exactly is normal?

DVD BONUS FEATURES

It's a good thing your enjoyment of "Thumbsucker" isn't dependent on the strength of the bonus features. The DVD bonus features are good, but not great. The behind the scenes documentary is pretty standard fare and the conversation with Mike Mills and Walter Kirn is only interesting if you're a fan of Kirn's book - or a budding screenwriter.

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