Sam (Rory Culkin) has been bullied by fat, mean and obnoxious George (Josh Peck) with the latest incident (which opens the film) seeing him bashed leading to substantial bruises. Soon there is talk of revenge and with encouragement from his older brother (Trevor Morgan) and especially his brother's friend (Scott Mechlowicz) they ask George to a day on their boat to celebrate Sam's birthday. This is all just a ruse to humiliate George but, not surprisingly, things get out of hand. The plot is simple, perhaps even clichéd and in some ways predictable. However, the reason the film works so well is because of its excellent and convincing performances and realistic, believable characters. Sam's girlfriend (Carly Schroeder) is also along for the trip but she was unaware of the plans and in a way could be argued to be the film's stock female character. The film manages to remain suspenseful and gripping with some unexpected revelations which irrevocably change the character's lives.
Review of Mean Creek
