100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 159: Mean Creek

Director: Jacob Aaron Estes

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 90 minutes

Year: 2004

Starring: Rory Culkin, Ryan Kelley, Scott Mechlowicz, Trevor Morgan, Josh Peck, Carly Schroeder

Description: When Sam (Rory Culkin) is bullied, his brother (Trevor Morgan) and friends lure the bully (Josh Peck) into the woods to seek vengeance.

Review: Every school has at least one: a mean bully. Sam is the victim of a bully in “Mean Creek”. He wants payback and Sam’s brother and his friends have the perfect idea to get bully George back. They are going on a boat trip and take George with them, but their seek for revenge will change their lives forever.

As a viewer you know that there are going to be losers in this film. Because of the slow buildup the movie loses a bit of drama and tension. The acting by the young performers is very good though. During the trip there is this uncomfortable and strained atmosphere between the kids. There are moments that you like George and moments you just want to slap him. As a viewer you go back and forth, which makes it hard to pick a side. But maybe that’s what director Estes was going for, because both sides are doing something wrong.

It’s the directorial debut for Jacob Aaron Estes and definitely not a bad one. “Mean Creek” has a nice looking cinematography and the film has some really powerful scenes. Funny enough the strongest scene is one shot in complete silence. Very well shot.

“Mean Creek” deals with difficult choices in life: taking responsibility for your actions and trying to cope with the consequences. This has been done before, but the characters were adults. Here it deals with kids and young adults. “Mean Creek” isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth your time.

Rating: 3,5/ 5