Growing Op (2008) User Reviews

Growing Up

[tha_mongoose · 7/10 · 19 February 2009]

Here we have another coming-of-age comedy, featuring a mostly unknown cast that does, nevertheless, deliver.

The story centers around a recently-turned-18 Quinn (Steven Yaffee), who belongs to an uncommon family of anti-establishment cannabis-growers - the Dawsons. His parents (Wallace Langham and Rosanna Arquette) are seemingly very astute, and his younger sister Hope (Katie Boland) is the local drug-peddler.

At the start of the movie we see a tired Quinn, home-schooled his whole life, who wants a normal teenage experience, as he keeps observing from the come-and-go of students of the local high school. To top things off, an incredibly attractive young girl moves next door (Rachel Blanchard) - this boosts his desire to leave the shielded home environment.

Growing Op has a few flaws, but these don't deter from a fluid viewing experience. Of course, if you decide to watch a film like this, you tend to already know what it's about - cannabis, high school, and the rest.

To the flaws: certainly Blanchard is a mediocre actor, at best, but then again, her good looks tend to excuse focus on her actual ability. It is certainly understandable her choice as the girl-next-door, as she's stunning. Then there's also a few cheesy moments, but these are really not that many.

The good stuff: the film is funny, has some of the most original lines (Quinn's father does an impressive job with his role, being the most solid actor in the pack) spoken by any suburban father or mother I've ever seen (especially young sister!) The kid Quinn is fine as the lead, portraying an odd misplaced youth well enough. His sister is a funny, off-the-rocker type, and her role is well acted.

The story itself has some unexpected twists, and the high school crowd is well depicted and represented.

Frankly, a movie that could have been much worse, left me pleasantly surprised. 7/10.

Uninspired

[roedyg · 5/10 · 29 June 2012]

I have a weakness for comedies that involve marijuana. Woody Allen's Sleeper is my favourite comedy of all time. JPod made me hoot. Stacey Keach slowly turning into a lizard in Nice Dreams is one of the funniest comedic ideas ever. Peter Sellers and Herbert Lomb, with wax face melting while high on laughing gas is the scene in movies most likely to make me get the uncontrollable giggles (I know it was not marijuana, but its the same sort of idea).

Growing Op is about a left wing authoritarian father somewhat like Ward Clever who grows marijuana for a living in his kitchen in the middle of an upper class neighbourhood with a rather stodgy teenage son. The premise is ripe with comic potential. Unfortunately, the movie hardly exploits any of it.

It a formulaic story about a dorky guy, Quinn, who lusts after the girl, puts up with hazing, then gets her. The marijuana growing is really just a backdrop.

There are two mildly villainous characters, his rival, Philip, a conceited, dazzlingly handsome blond boy (still photos don't do him justice), played by Jon Cor and Quinn's younger sister, played by Katie Boland, who wears garish clothes and makeup, who bullies him.

Philip has the best line in the movie when he explains he will not use violence against Quinn in his rivalry because otherwise has father would not send him to law school.

These villains are fun, but barely on screen enough to let you relish them. As in any teen movie, there are a number of preposterously shallow, air head girls.

Father is not funny, just annoying. Rosanna Arquette, as Mom, gets a few good scenes, but she is basically wasted. In a comedy, unexpected things should happen. This move is far too realistic and boring.

There is a fair bit of obligatory soft porn between the two leads. Neither of them was particularly sexy, so for me it just felt embarrassing. Even the actors gave out the vibe they could hardly wait to get it over with. Rachael has a strange way of smiling sometimes that reminds me of Mr. Burns in The Simpsons. It is quite off-putting, as if she were an imbecile. I am not sure if it was intentional.

ill-fitting shock twist

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 14 January 2019]

Quinn (Steven Yaffee) is an awkward teen with no friends. It doesn't help that his parents (Wallace Langham, Rosanna Arquette) are hippies secretly growing illegal weed at home and they don't allow him to attend school. Hope (Katie Boland) is his punk drug-selling little sister. He's taken with beautiful new girl Crystal Connor (Rachel Blanchard) moving in across the street. Suddenly, he has a real need to go to class. His love for Crystal makes him the prime bullying target for class president hunk Philip and his popular group.

That was some twist. I am not a fan. It turns a fun little teen comedy into a heavy drama. I do like most of the movie. The sharp turn totally threw me. It's definitely a surprise although I assumed the ending to be her accidentally letting out the secret and the family has to go on the run. The point is to keep it light and prison time is not light. I still like the movie and the characters.

Terribly scripted

[t-garrett10 · 3/10 · 9 November 2009]

I am shocked to read so many positive reviews on here for this absolutely terribly written film, I can only surmise that some of the cast and crew felt the need to try to bolster what is a very poor piece of Canadian cinema.

The problem lies solely in the script which feels like a first draft. A decent premise that very quickly goes nowhere. Around the one hour mark I was left wondering what possible events could sustain the film for another 40 minutes. As it turns out, the answer lies in a complete plot twist that actually may have worked had the movie been about something to begin with.

The relationship between the two leads would make a nice subplot, but it's not enough to carry a film that has little else going for it.

Decent performances and a competent level of production value are the only things saving this film by being terrible overall, but that only further serves to showcase the problem with a film being based on such terrible source material. All the ingredients were there to make a good film, but it just never even scratches the surface of it's potential for comedy or story.

Very enjoyable

[Greenie123 · 8/10 · 12 September 2008]

Saw this tonight at the film's premiere at the Atlantic Film Festival. The crowd was great, and we were laughing our heads off all the way through.

As a recently-graduated homeschooler myself, it was amusing to see an outsider's (highly inaccurate in my case, but hilarious) take on the practice. Some of the questions raised in the film are questions I ask myself often.

Kudos to the excellent cast, especially Steven Yaffee as the main character, and Wallace Langham as his father, who both really get into their characters and make us feel their emotions.

There's a plot twist near the end that seems a bit ridiculous and unnecessary at first, but may make more sense once you think it over.

All in all, a great film, and it's always nice to see films from Atlantic Canada that are just good fun to watch.

Viewers waste two hours of their lives. Credits roll.

[mlgoode · 2/10 · 23 May 2011]

I can't believe all the positive reviews for this awful movie. I suspect that most of the reviews are plants by the children of the embarrassed adults involved taking this horror of embarrassingly bad writing and phoned-in acting to market. Even the plants look artificial.

Have these critics never seen a movie before? And speaking of lack of background, did the set designers do no research whatsoever about a real grow op? Nothing rang true about this movie--not the parents, not the cops, not the growing operation, not the high school...nothing. Come to think of it, maybe the other reviewers and the screenwriter are one in the same; both are totally lacking in credibility.

Great little movie...

[ffflamingoes · 9/10 · 29 May 2009]

My wife and tenant love to torture me with main stream movies...this was such a refreshing break!

You could really care for the characters and the plot flowed along really well.

I think I only realized it was Canadian made when the court scene happened...why can't Canadian productions make better court rooms? lol

I would recommend this to anyone, especially stoners.

A great film you can really get in to.

I am going to look for more films by the same people, I thought it was really well written.

If anyone knows more films by the same people, please post!

Seriously

[lainek321 · 4/10 · 14 May 2011]

Okay so I am a sucker for coming of age stories but seriously. The whole point of growing up is to learn and grow. I would understand if the main character is either growing into a wiser human being or even a flat out stupid human being by just not caring. How is that during this coming of age story surrounding the importance of family is justified by further endangering your family. This makes no sense and makes what could have been a story of life lesson learned of anti conformist and the beauty of herb into just flat out stupidity. I would mind if the theme was bases on idiocracy but instead has a theme and musical background of how happy things can turn out if you continue to put yourself and even more importantly your family in danger. Seriously! You had me the first few hours but then just made me wonder what immature pot head thought this was a good ending. Ah it had such potential to move a human spirit and make them laugh. If I could retract all positivity I had throughout the movie I would.

A Teenager Striving to Be Normal

[Uriah43 · 4/10 · 9 September 2022]

This film essentially begins with a teenager by the name of "Quinn" (Steven Yaffee) developing a crush on a girl named "Crystal" (Rachel Blanchard) who is new in town and has just moved in to the house across the street. Naturally, wanting to get to know her better, Quinn searches for ways to hang out with her a little more. The problem, however, is that he has been home schooled all of his life and is not only socially awkward but faces severe competition from all of the other boys who attend the same high school as Crystal. If that wasn't bad enough, Quinn's parents "Bryce" (Wallace Langham) and "Diana" (Rosanna Arquette) have adopted a hippy lifestyle, shun society at large--and grow marijuana throughout their house. To top it all off, his slightly younger sister "Hope" (Katie Boland) makes ends meet by selling her parents discarded product on the side. So, to offset some of these disadvantages, he decides to take matters into his own hands and enrolls in the high school to vigorously pursue the girl of his dreams. What he doesn't count on, however, is the mean-spirited reaction by some of the other kids who look down upon him and do everything they can to publicly humiliate him. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say this film started off reasonably well but took a rather dark turn towards the end and never really recovered after that. That being said, while I don't consider this to be a bad comedy necessarily, the mishandled ending left me somewhat disappointed and I have rated this film accordingly. Slightly below average.

Original and good

[yko4 · 8/10 · 28 November 2008]

I had the good fortune to see this film at the opening night ceremony for the Silver Wave Film Festival in Fredericton. It is, quite simply, the best independent feature film I have ever seen come out of New Brunswick. This feel-good movie about a teenager who has trouble fitting in, because of his radically anti-establishment marijuana-growing parents is funny and original. There is plenty in it to make you laugh and the female lead (Rachel Blanchard) is extremely attractive in a "girl-next-door" kind of way. When I first heard that the movie was about drugs, I was worried that it would be narrow, unimaginative and predictable; however this movie is anything but predictable. Thankfully, the acceptable acting quality and originality makes this movie much more than merely a film about drugs. It is about first-love, freedom, growing up, the nature of betrayal and high school politics. I recommend this film to independent film lovers all around the world and all Canadians.

An intelligent comedy that rocks!

[carabas2003 · 10/10 · 1 December 2008]

Quinn, (Steven Yaffe), a home educated teenager growing up in a family with counter culture parents who run a suburban grow-up wants to lead a normal life. He enrolls in a local high school in order to pursue the girl next door. His attempts to win the girl of his dreams run afoul the school president who sets the high school bullies on him. After enduring humiliation Quinn manages to turn the tables on his tormentors and beat the system at the same time. The funniest high school comedy since "Rock and Roll High School" Neatly reverses the usual stoner formula. Highly sympathetic and nuanced performance from Rosanna Arquette as the mother. "Growing Op" appeals to both the sixties generation and today's teen agers. Both groups see themselves in this movie. High energy, strong music score, MTV style editing and polished script and direction drive this picture along. Not to be missed.

Growing Op

[hellotowall · 10/10 · 26 May 2010]

Just saw it. An excellent movie. Original idea, good play, good scenes. I don't smoke weed , but here they made us to see how is not only people's life, but and life of the grass. They show how stupid are those who just smoke it, without any idea about. And the end of the movie - brilliant! I didn't wait it'g gonna over like this, not only happy end, or tragic. I had no idea what to think. I't beautiful, happy, sad. I loved this. My mark - 10+... P.S. I enjoyed more that there was no stupid thing of making film, where producers make movie worst. Like all team was one man, was thinking about one thing only, doing it how they can, but trying to do it well...

Growing Op

[patrea-2 · 10/10 · 14 March 2009]

My friends and I went to see this movie today at a special viewing that had the director in the audience which was a great treat. The film itself was enjoyable, humorous, thoughtful and totally surprising. Two thumbs up - eh! Go Canada! and Go Michael Melski! What starts out as a rather typical coming of age story leads us through turns that are totally unfamiliar and unexpected. This film "buzzs" by and is a must see. I went to the film knowing only that it was filmed here in my home town and was completely thrilled. Thank you to Empire Theatres General Manager Steve Malloy for bringing this authentic tale to us. Michael Melski, we on the east coast look forward to your next tale and we will be back to show our support to another sold out audience!

I Concur, this film is an Inspiration!

[csupilanas · 10/10 · 19 December 2011]

For me, being an Aspiring-Writer someday, this movie has become One of the few of my "Personal measuring sticks for comparison" to hold towards Films I decide to watch in the future.

Growing Op is a great coming-of-age Dramatic Comedy, and definitely a "Must-See" for Film-buffs like myself. It is about a Teenage Boy Quinn (Yaffee), who is born and bred from a very Unconventional-Family who run a Marijuana Grow-Op. Home-schooled and Isolated from Society, Quinn decides to venture out and experience what it feels like to be "Normal."

I thought this film has great substance (Provocative Topic for one thing). Followed a decent linear, story structure; funny "laugh-out- loud" scenes to a few memorable-dramatic ones throughout; and the Cast did an excellent job with their Characters. The Cinematography was very Bland and Ordinary, which fit the overall style and tone of the film perfectly, to me at least.

The end was very "Un-American and very Canadian" at the same-time, which was very amusing and entertaining for me!

What I really loved about this film, was that it made me question a few things about myself as a person. But, It really did re-affirm some of my personal beliefs as well, and made me feel "Proud" afterwards about being a "Mis-fit," and that a person doesn't really have to be a conformist to make their way in this world. You'll find that even being "Normal" does have its flaws and seem odd, as you'll figure out along with Quinn. This film does pretty well at exploring the Human Condition and Society as a whole in the back-drops of High School and sub-urban lifestyle.

Its quite a Rarity and Gem seeing a Decent Canadian Film. Sadly, the only thing I regret while watching this film was that I wasn't able to enjoy it with a Joint! *wink*

An Inspiration!!!

[Brad4TheAnimals · 10/10 · 24 November 2008]

Absolutely Amazing!!! This film was beautifully shot in a beautiful city! The characters were pristine and the storyline was very original (despite what the Toronto $tar says). I would highly recommend seeing if you get a chance. I will definitely own this DVD as soon as it's available.

As a side note, I don't see any resemblance between this film and others. I would compare this film to a lot of others, but for good reason. I would compare the characteristics of the film to others such as Ted Demme's Blow, or Jenji Kohan's Weeds for the sole reason that they are favorite Films and Series. And just F.Y.I, There's room for all three on the top shelf of my DVD collection! =)

This film is an inspiration to me as an aspiring filmmaker so thank you very much!

Brad

The Best.

[mariakmercer · 10/10 · 14 November 2008]

I really enjoyed this movie. I thought it was excellent and I recommend everyone to see it. I hope it wins the Oscar for Best Picture, it would get my vote! GO SEE THIS MOVIE! The acting in it is incredible and the script itself is very unique. The directing is impeccable and the overall feeling was super feel good. My friend convinced me to see it with her and I do not regret it one bit. Our other friend couldn't go and she regrets it a lot. I am usually very critical of movies but this one was just so good. I hope it goes all across Canada as I do not live in Halifax, Toronto or Vancouver. I'm telling everyone I know in those cities to go see it. It is worth the 10 dollar movie ticket. I would even pay more than that to see it.

Canadian Weed Film.

[anaconda-40658 · 8/10 · 9 October 2015]

Growing Op (2008): Dir: Miohael Melski / Cast: Stephen Yaffee, Rachel Blanchard, Wallace Langham, Rosanna Arquette, Denis Theriault: Amusing comedy about growing marijuana and the reality of somebody entering the public school system. Stephen Yaffee plays a teenager whose parents grow marijuana. He and his sister are home tutored until he decides to enroll into a public school. Hilarious setup is very detailed but the ending is questionable depending on one's view of marijuana. Directed by Miohael Melski with a great set that is totally a marijuana lover's wet dream. Hilarious performances by all headed by Yaffee whose childhood was somewhat secluded and all about as his parents constantly moved when their secret was threatened. Yaffee is joined by Rachel Blanchard as that mysterious girl next door. Wallace Langham and Rosanna Arquette steal scenes as the parents. Langham is at his best when hosting Blanchard's parents in what becomes the funniest moment in the film. Arquette is the brains of home schooling. Together they present the ultimate self sacrifice but unfortunately that opens doors to a questionable moral dilemma. Denis Theriault plays one of Yaffee's pot head pals. With an interesting concept and creative screenplay it presents a strong theme that deals with where you came from and where you aim to be. Score: 8 / 10

Underrated for sure

[peruhealing · 9/10 · 13 February 2024]

Im not usually a fan of weed films or romantic comedies, but I watched this with a lot of enjoyment the other night. The acting from most of the actors was very good, and the chemistry between the cast as well. Quinn and his father were both superb. Some parts were really laugh out loud funny. Enjoyed the plot twist towards the end, took me completely by surprise. Life in Canadian high-school seems to be depicted pretty accurately. Made me appreciate what I have and see the blessing of not being a little tiny gear in the impersonal system like 99% of other Canadians my age. Will look up the writer / director to try and see more of his work.