Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this pageThe Art Of Getting By (2011)
Director: Gavin Wiesen
Synopsis
Socially and emotionally stunted high school senior George (Highmore) is artistically gifted but arrogant and lazy with it. After being put on academic suspension, he befriends cool girl Sally (Roberts) but must face up to the responsibilities of adulthood.
Movie review
From Time Out London
New York high-school student George (Freddie Highmore) could be about to let his existential crisis get in the way of graduation. ‘Everyone dies alone,’ he reckons, so what’s the point in homework? Of course, the underlying issue is whether he can get his leg over with fellow misfit Sally (Emma Roberts), but, since she’s also his only friend, that may not be the smartest of ideas either. Familiar issues, certainly, and George’s long overcoat, Camus paperback and Leonard Cohen records do make him a walking cliché. Still, the movie does have sincerity in its favour, even if these over-entitled kids seem pretty docile in the teen-rebellion stakes, and the 12A certificate flags it as an educational offering targeted at viewers on the cusp of adolescence – who may not necessarily realise just how hackneyed it is. Highmore is too cherubic to convince and the appealing Roberts struggles in a thankless role.Author: Trevor Johnston
Time Out London Issue 2141: 1 – 7 Sept, 2011
Cast & crew
Director: Gavin Wiesen
Cast: Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Blair Underwood
Genre(s): Romance
Rated: 15
Duration: 83 mins
UK Release: Sep 30 2011
Top Stories
Ridley Scott interview
Director Ridley Scott tells Cath Clarke why he's making a science fiction comeback
Cannes Film Festival 2012: half-time report
Dave Calhoun reports on the hits, misses and a shocking new masterpiece from Michael Haneke
What do you think?
Post your review now