Just Peck lets us into the life of Michael Peck (Peck, for short), a shy high school student who, because of his parents' eccentric parenting skills, ends up competing in the class science fair. Inspired by his undeniable attraction to Emily, a popular girl in school, he sets off on a journey to create the best project he can think of, which unfortunately, will create more problems for his already complicated life.
Peck's character is what drives the film. He's not your usual underdog kid who has no redeeming attribute whatsoever. He's not that smart but he knows enough. Most of the time, he is very awkward; he doesn't seem to be comfortable with what he's doing. However, he's someone who knows what to say and when to say it, something that catches Emily's attention. Although its central character is a teenager, the presence of profanity and drug usage alone are enough clues that Just Peck is not your average movie about a kid. Instead, we are shown how a simple boy copes with growing up, and how we may have forgotten that it's really not that simple.
The movie is full of funny dialogue. It doesn't go out of its way to be funny like some comedy movies. Its awkward situations are enough to make you laugh every now and then. Peck's parents were hilarious in this film; they provided the much-needed comic relief when things were getting too intense. During Peck's presentation of his science project, there is a moment where it seems that Peck has finally revealed his true colors. The film could have gone anywhere from there, and so it is able to keep its viewers guessing and hanging on to every scene. Not being predictable and clichéd was definitely a strong point of the film.
Kier Gilchrist and Brie Larson of United States of Tara star as the main characters in this movie, and they are able to prove through their solid performances that they can definitely shine given the chance.
If you think about it, it's a loser kid/popular girl dynamic which we have seen so many times already, but Just Peck manages to rehash it in a way that it becomes interesting and lovable to watch. A good film should tell a unique, entertaining story, and that is what Just Peck is able to accomplish. It doesn't make you all fuzzy inside, but it does make you dish out one full, honest smile.
Peck's character is what drives the film. He's not your usual underdog kid who has no redeeming attribute whatsoever. He's not that smart but he knows enough. Most of the time, he is very awkward; he doesn't seem to be comfortable with what he's doing. However, he's someone who knows what to say and when to say it, something that catches Emily's attention. Although its central character is a teenager, the presence of profanity and drug usage alone are enough clues that Just Peck is not your average movie about a kid. Instead, we are shown how a simple boy copes with growing up, and how we may have forgotten that it's really not that simple.
The movie is full of funny dialogue. It doesn't go out of its way to be funny like some comedy movies. Its awkward situations are enough to make you laugh every now and then. Peck's parents were hilarious in this film; they provided the much-needed comic relief when things were getting too intense. During Peck's presentation of his science project, there is a moment where it seems that Peck has finally revealed his true colors. The film could have gone anywhere from there, and so it is able to keep its viewers guessing and hanging on to every scene. Not being predictable and clichéd was definitely a strong point of the film.
Kier Gilchrist and Brie Larson of United States of Tara star as the main characters in this movie, and they are able to prove through their solid performances that they can definitely shine given the chance.
If you think about it, it's a loser kid/popular girl dynamic which we have seen so many times already, but Just Peck manages to rehash it in a way that it becomes interesting and lovable to watch. A good film should tell a unique, entertaining story, and that is what Just Peck is able to accomplish. It doesn't make you all fuzzy inside, but it does make you dish out one full, honest smile.