This is not a film that was done intending the audience to enjoy it.  And that is primarily because it has validity and exposes pathological and unpleasant truths.  The camera observes the malicious and dangerous behavior of children who are out of control.  The story line unravels for us the back-story that creates the Mean Creek episode and dramatizes some family situations that define where the blame really lies.

            Also, the power of age, size and strength in children's interrelations was done particularly well.   We see how it shapes the course of action, and of course, we don't like what we see, but that's the point.  The story is rather linear and not very complex but the child characters give it variation and depth.  These characters in the story range in ages from about twelve or thirteen to about eighteen.  What comes to mind is the recent study, which identified that this age group has thought processes that impede or at least confuse judgment as well as consequences.  Anyone who has dealt with children recognizes this latter fact because much of parenting during these years involves attempting to inculcate teens with some knowledge of consequences.  (I believe that recognizing this fact in part contributed to the U.S. supreme court recently striking down the death penalty for 16 and 17-year-old children.)  So a value of this film is that it dramatizes this mental confusion and lack of judgment. 

            This is the second film that Jacob Estes has written and directed.  For a new writer - director it's a pretty good showing.  I anticipate more of his work in the future and I also anticipate that it will be similarly serious.

            The film is helped by some strong child actor support.  In particular, a key character, Sam is played by Rory Culkin of the famous Culkin film family.  Macaulay (Home Alone), Quinn, Kieran and Christian have also all been in films. 

            Reviewed March 3, 2005

            MPAA: Rated R for language, sexual references, teen drug and alcohol use.