Sonya Weiler (Fairuza Balk) is starting private school. Her mother Valery Weiler (Kelly Lynch) wanted a better life which never materialized and she died eight years ago. Her father Ray Weiler (Harvey Keitel) is a functioning drunk who sells his 'investment opportunity' to unsuspecting suckers. Greta Weiler (Elisabeth Moss) is her younger sister. Mr. Webster (Vincent D'Onofrio) is her new teacher and she is befriended by classmate Margaret (Amber Benson).
Originally, I gave this a four mostly due to Keitel's infuriating character. One hopes for some light moments to break up the frustration of watching his sleazy schemes. That never comes. It's a frustrating watch as I'm forced to take constant breaks. Sonya needs more screen time and story. She needs a boy interest and more to do with Margaret. Her father needs less screen time. The audience doesn't actually need to know the details about his scheme. We already know everything when he gets Sonya to lie for him. Quite frankly, we don't need all the Sonya narration. I do appreciate this a bit more after watching this again after twenty some odd years. It's still a five but I do see Keitel's great performance.
Originally, I gave this a four mostly due to Keitel's infuriating character. One hopes for some light moments to break up the frustration of watching his sleazy schemes. That never comes. It's a frustrating watch as I'm forced to take constant breaks. Sonya needs more screen time and story. She needs a boy interest and more to do with Margaret. Her father needs less screen time. The audience doesn't actually need to know the details about his scheme. We already know everything when he gets Sonya to lie for him. Quite frankly, we don't need all the Sonya narration. I do appreciate this a bit more after watching this again after twenty some odd years. It's still a five but I do see Keitel's great performance.