I saw Leonard Maltin's show and he strongly recommended this film--so I thought I'd give it a try. Unfortunately, while I really liked parts of the movie, the film as a whole left a lot to be desired.
"Terri" is a film about a troubled high school kid (Jacob Wysocki). Although at first you don't realize it, he lives with an uncle who is struggling with dementia (probably Alzheimers). He is grossly overweight and often shows up to school in pajamas. He's quite lonely and a misfit. Fortunately, he finds someone at school who cares (John C. Reilly)--who plays some sort of vice principal or discipline dean. Over time, Terri starts to open up to others and reaches out to other screwed up teens--mostly because despite everything, Terri is a decent kid. There's a lot more to this film than this--you'll just have to see it for yourself.
My wife and I found the first 2/3 of the film quite enjoyable and touching. Later, however, it became pretty messed up---and the characters began behaving very screwed up--much more than the first part of the movie. Seeing a school official with almost no boundaries as well as Terri and his friends mix booze and pills seemed pretty disturbing--and pointless (unless the film's message is we all are screwed up idiots). And, I guess as two retired teachers, my wife and I were horrified as we watch the final portion unfold. To top it off, the film simply ends. I didn't need a happily ever after ending or some pat ending...but an ending would have been nice.
Overall, I loved the acting--Wysocki and Reilly were great. But the script just seemed too dark to be a film I'd recommend. Interesting and a decent effort--but also quite in need of a re-write.
pretty crude VERY adult and disturbing
teacher inappropriate
"Terri" is a film about a troubled high school kid (Jacob Wysocki). Although at first you don't realize it, he lives with an uncle who is struggling with dementia (probably Alzheimers). He is grossly overweight and often shows up to school in pajamas. He's quite lonely and a misfit. Fortunately, he finds someone at school who cares (John C. Reilly)--who plays some sort of vice principal or discipline dean. Over time, Terri starts to open up to others and reaches out to other screwed up teens--mostly because despite everything, Terri is a decent kid. There's a lot more to this film than this--you'll just have to see it for yourself.
My wife and I found the first 2/3 of the film quite enjoyable and touching. Later, however, it became pretty messed up---and the characters began behaving very screwed up--much more than the first part of the movie. Seeing a school official with almost no boundaries as well as Terri and his friends mix booze and pills seemed pretty disturbing--and pointless (unless the film's message is we all are screwed up idiots). And, I guess as two retired teachers, my wife and I were horrified as we watch the final portion unfold. To top it off, the film simply ends. I didn't need a happily ever after ending or some pat ending...but an ending would have been nice.
Overall, I loved the acting--Wysocki and Reilly were great. But the script just seemed too dark to be a film I'd recommend. Interesting and a decent effort--but also quite in need of a re-write.
pretty crude VERY adult and disturbing
teacher inappropriate