Review of Mean Creek

We've seen this story a million times, exploring the psyche and somewhat animal nature of teenagers left to their vices. Though, this one may be done in the most simplistic form. Rory Culkin plays Sam, a kid who often finds himself at the hands of George (Josh Peck), the schoolyard bully. Sam's brother (Trevor Morgan) and his friends, all older than both Sam and George, plot harmless revenge upon George, inviting him on a boating trip with the friends, Sam, and Sam's girlfriend, Millie. At first, a few befriend George, but after tensions heat up by one too many off-colored remarks from George, the oldest of the friends, Marty (Scott Mechlowicz) decides to go forward and give George his humiliating just desserts. Only, things don't pan out according to plan, and instead, end up much worse than the friends had in mind. It becomes a careless prank gone very very wrong. We have seen and heard this story many times before. You can probably guess how things will turn out from beginning to end (except the very end as it involves everyone but Marty). The nature of the teenagers, the struggle between characters is all there in by-the-book form.

Left with the routine story, the two most remarkable features of this film instead are the acting and the scenery. Major applause for Josh Peck, who plays George, particularly at his most violent moments. And, though filmed in trademark indie film blue tinting, the Oregon scenery is amazing, especially if you're not from that area. Other than that, I imagine the most appeal for this movie comes the recognition of its young cast (particularly Rory Culkin and that fine fella, Trevor Morgan).