Big Time Adolescence (2019) User Reviews

Some People are Black Holes

[samrussell99 · 7/10 · 20 March 2020]

Pete Davidson is great. He's great because he's playing himself. He is the ultimate antihero. Zeke's influence is felt in every scene of the movie - the parties, the girls, all of it. They are all infused with his patina.

Zeke, who begins as entertaining but ends as trite and soulless, is a representation of all those things people try to find meaning in during their high school years. It is the story of one man who can't connect with anyone, and who personifies all the methods people use to try and get ahead in the world without building something real. Look at all the scenes where Zeke shines - they are dark. In the night. Slowly, the movie brings his personality into the daylight. All the grime, filth, and destructive patterns of behavior are laid bare as the movie goes on.

Most of the characters are interesting. Machine Gun Kelly is hilarious in his role. Zeke's girlfriend is good too. The kid plays his part well. His perception reflects that of the audience, even though he isn't really all that interesting himself. Most scenes are entertaining. A couple are stereotypical.

Zeke's story is obviously the crown jewel of the movie, and his story is nothing. A black hole. As the movie drags his darkness into the light, his quirks become less and less entertaining. The story of the main character is not that resonant, but the way we see Zeke's evolution through his eyes, along with some laughs and entertaining scenes along the way, is more than enough to make this a good movie - the bitter, acrylic, burger joint ending seals the deal.

"The world doesn't care about your potential, it cares about what you actually do."

[matthewssilverhammer · 8/10 · 7 June 2020]

This is a great example of why some movies were made for streaming; a low-key dramedy that features strong filmic humor, wonderful (and often ironic) needle drops, and great performances. Gluck is an empathetic and relatable center for the film, but Davidson is the star; he was made for this role, and he nails it.

Big Time fun and drama

[Kamurai25 · 7/10 · 12 June 2020]

Good watch, would watch again, and can recommend.

This is a surprisingly touching "coming of age" story. I'm not a big fan of Pete Davidson, but he does what he does well enough.

I could imagine many people relating to this in several different ways, and what's more is that it feels timeless. Yes, they have cellphones in this, but I could imagine a greaser version of this where he comes by instead of calling, as opposed to calling instead of texting.

The presentation is subtle and near perfect, everyone plays there roles very well.

Its subtle again, but the writing is well nuanced. It really captures the essence of someone who got a broad future, but gets tunnel vision based on his "childish" wants.

There is a lot of depth here if that's what you're looking for, but the minimal version of this is still a good movie.

I wanted more

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 7/10 · 15 March 2020]

The story didn't really end anywhere and I wanted more comedy. Newb director and writer Jason Orley was impressive this being his first full length film. What humor there was, was great, as was Pete Davidson who needs to do more TV/movies. He was jokes in The Rookie.

Defies expectations

[nehpetstephen · 7/10 · 14 March 2020]

I went into this film with lowered expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Griffin Gluck was wonderful in "American Vandal," but his movie THE TALL GIRL was one of the steamiest piles of hot garbage I've ever seen, so I wasn't sure what to expect from this. Likewise, I've been generally unimpressed by Pete Davidson's appearances on SNL. I was expecting to only watch about five minutes of this movie before shutting it off. The hackneyed opening doesn't help. (Hook with something dramatic happening. Voiceover of main character saying, "It wasn't always like this." Cut to title card "EIGHT YEARS EARLIER." Like Morty says, we should start our stories where they begin, not where they get interesting.)

Anyway, I'm glad I stuck past the worrisome opening because the film is actually quite solid. Jason Orley's direction is assured and engaging. The characters seem like real people. The things they say and do seem refreshingly believable, the chemistry between them is palpable and lived in, and you get the strong sense that their lives extend beyond the page--all signs of exquisite writing and direction. Although it's all fairly low key, there's some good humor, emotion, and suspense blended together in equal parts. I watched this by myself on the couch after a very long, busy day of work, and I found myself thoroughly transported--smiling during flirtation scenes, grimacing during awkward moments, occasionally laughing out loud. This is a story that we've all seen before several times, but Orley makes it new and interesting.

I do feel that the film is ultimately not empathetic enough toward the Zeke character. Yes, he's a mess who frequently makes very bad and hurtful decisions. And yes, the first half of the film does persuasively show his charming side and how someone could be seduced by that. But I think the problem with the film's conclusion lies in the wording I just used. The final act of the movie seems calculated to show that Zeke's actions were all a "seduction," implying some malicious intent, like his terrible advice for how to manipulate girls. But I don't buy that. Zeke's relationship with Mo definitely had a lot of dysfunctional elements, but in their interactions, it's also very apparent that Zeke has a genuine love for and attachment to Mo, for a wide range of messy reasons. If their friendship were to be severed, it seems that the Zeke we've been shown would truly be hurt, even if he chose to express that pain in some dysfunctional way. The movie doesn't give us any access to seeing that pain, even though it does give us access to seeing him alone in other private moments--scenes that seem calculated to show us what a filthy dirtbag he is.

So by spinning Zeke's treatment of Mo as the ultimate manipulative seduction, the movie in its final moments really doubles down on the conclusion that he's a loser and that other people are naturally and obviously better than him. As it's presented, we're supposed to accept these confirmations about his worthlessness (in contrast to other characters' worth). But although the actions of the characters in the film do seem like a very realistic depiction of what might happen to real people in such a situation, somehow the overall package of this movie's conclusion seems a little oversimplified--and, ironically, that's only because of how good the rest of the movie is.

The whole film is built around a core sense of empathy that fleshes the characters out with real feelings and reactions, yet having the moral of the story be "this guy, however, really is just a total loser who deserves to be alone" belies that approach. The final shot of the film seems designed to make us rejoice in the guy's total comeuppance, but I guess I would have been more satisfied if there had been just one painful moment somewhere in those final scenes that affirmed for us that even though he's a mess, Zeke's also a person deserving of dignity, and we should wish the best for him, too, even if it's best for other people to stay away from him for the time being. Such an ending would have been much more powerful for me, and I think the filmmakers are talented enough that they could have pulled it off very well.

Which, now that I think about it, means that I walked into this movie with extremely low expectations, but by the time it was over, it had so won me over that my exponentially elevated expectations ended up being too high! I trust that Orley's next films will be even better, and I look forward to them.

Overall, this is a very good movie. Gluck carries the role well, and Davidson, despite his lackluster performance on SNL, is surprisingly very captivating.

Nice and short, good or bad thing?

[phil_doucet · 6/10 · 22 March 2020]

This is a really short movie and maybe that's a good thing. Pete Davidson makes me feel like he is not only in character but like he is his true self in this movie. Arrogant, annoying, a druggie and not very likeable. I guess that's a testament to his acting?

If you are a parent to a teenager I just don't see how you let your 16 year old spend that much time with a 23 year old and not do something about it earlier. I mean what could a young teen be doing with a young adult every single night of the week and weekend.

Would have given this a better mark if there was a decent ending but unfortunately there was not. Kept me intrigued entire movie but letdown at the end.

Great Movie - Pete Davidson & Griffin Gluck were fantastic

[xbestofmex · 9/10 · 13 March 2020]

I hope this movie changes peoples minds about Pete Davidson because he was fantastic in this film. I felt like this movie really showed how you can idolize someone older and "cooler" but realize at some point you need to move on from them.

Pete's character Zeke broke my heart, he's a good kid with a great soul, just lost in his own problems. We all know a Zeke and we all know a Mo and to watch their friendship blossom then fade reminded me of so many friendships in my adolescence. The last scene where Mo sees Zeke in his rear view mirror smoking was the perfect way to end the movie. Mo will move on and Zeke will be right where he left him in that parking lot. Sad but true for so many young adults.

Not an overly crude movie (not that I mind that) and had some really beautiful scenes that perfectly captured what it is like to be growing and changing in high school. Highly recommend this movie!

Surprisingly good movie!

[bertrum96 · 9/10 · 16 March 2020]

So the movie starts out in a way that you don't really know where it's going. But that's because of the good acting. Pete did such a good job his character was kinda scary, because he didn't give anything away by Over or under acting.

He played his character perfect. and the rest of the cast did the same. The acting in this movie supported the writing so well, I could take in each scene one at a time.

It was nice to see Jon break out of his normal role right before my eyes. Each and every actor did such a good job.

I want to see more!

Good, but terrible ending

[mirelarmg · 7/10 · 25 April 2021]

I liked the movie, but de final i don't like.

The boy is very nice, but the old boy is a terrible influence to him.

Don't watch this movie with your teenager kid.

Authenticity and Pete Davidson's performance made this movie a real treat!!

[xxactionjacksonxx · 10/10 · 25 April 2020]

The conversations and the way Pete Davidson acts is so authentic (I think attributed to his micro-dosing of mushrooms) from body movements to line delivery, he was spot on. You watched a star that has the possibility to go anywhere now that we seen how much he was made for the big screen, in his first starring role ever. I predict he will go far and really hope he does, love his stand up, loved him on SNL (even though show has went downhill and hard to watch sometimes), his way of thinking about loving life, and now I love his acting on the big screen. I can't wait to see what his next performance will be or what type of roles he can play, really excited, as he should be, for his career right now!!

Pete Davidson Debut

[johnnyhbtvs27 · 7/10 · 12 September 2021]

Great coming of age comedy with a stand out performance from Pete Davidson. He's great in the role of Zeke (or basically himself) & Griffin Gluck is good in the straight role.

Not a comedy.More of a drama movie.

[quisha-01195 · 5/10 · 9 April 2020]

It passed the time,all the actors and actresses were great and believable.

A Very Enjoyable Coming-of-Age Tale With Surprising Humour

[Zac_La_Porte · 7/10 · 28 May 2022]

The big issues are saved towards the final moments of the film, but the rest of Big Time Adolescence is reserved with humour that's actually very memorable and sometimes usable. As the title sorely suggests, this movie tackles adolescence in the form of teenager Griffin Gluck following the destructive path of aimless, drug dealing college dropout Pete Davidson.

Big Time Adolescence's top focus is on how a good kid or a seemingly-innocent kid can take the road of destruction, drugs, sex and alcohol. In this story, the teenage character's parents know of him as a good kid doing nothing wrong like getting high or getting tattoos, but he's doing just that and more. This can often feel relatable for some teens and adults and it makes the entire film very entertaining and watchable.

The humour is also a big surprise in this movie, with most of it consisting around genuine jokes over crude sexualised innuendo or kids swearing. There's dating, lots of drug dealing and drug-related stuff, with most of the big issues being saved towards the end. Unfortunately however, when everything seems final, satisfied and ready to shut down, it still drags on a little more into the aftermath of the story's events.

If you liked this review, check out the full review and other reviews at aussieboyreviews.

Good message

[arielpomeranc · 7/10 · 23 December 2021]

Another person said that there's not a message in this movie, but that's not true. This movie is about a teenager and his older friends. The main character is Monroe, a 16 year old high schooler learning about life, and his friends are 23 year olds drug addicts. Monroe want to be like them, but they're not good role models and that's the point of the movie.

Not so interesting for me

[Gordon-11 · 14 March 2020]

In this film, a lot happens to this adolescent boy, but at the same time nothing much happens. I didn't find it interesting watch this kid hang out with a loser, doing delinquent stuff. There is not a message either.

A different kind of coming-of-age movie

[paul-allaer · 7/10 · 14 March 2020]

"Big Time Adolescence" (2019 release; 90 min.) brings the story of Monroe, or "Mo". As the movie opens, Mo is daydreaming in class and then led away by the principal and a cop. We the go to "Six Years Earlier". ad we get to know 10 yr.old Mo, as he hangs out with his sister and her 17 yr.old boyfriend Zeke. When his sister breaks up with Zeke, Mo continues to hang out with Zeke, and they become close friends. We then turn back to today, when they are 16 and 23, respectively, Alas, Zeke does not always provide the best example for growing up... At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the movie but to tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you';; just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: this is the directing debut of writer-director Jason Orley. When we think of coming-of-age films, we typically think of films like the recent "Eighth Grade" or "Thirteen" or perhaps even "Palo Alto?. Let me tell you upfront that "Big Time Adolescence" is not that film. It's brought from a different perspective for one: a 16 yr. old whose parents inexplicably let their son hang out night after night with a college dropout who means well but is a classic slacker or loser when all s said and done. This is billed as a comedy, and yes there are a lot of funny moments in, but more of the chuckling kind than they are the laugh-out-loud kind. A good example is when Mo meets a girl in school that he likes, and Zeke gives him some "can't miss" dating advice. Watch the ensuing consequences! The movie features pretty much a no-names cast, except for Pete Davidson (from SNL) who plays Zeke. Beware: this movie is rated R for a reason, and there is lots of cursing and underage drinking and doping, so if that bothers you, better check out something else. In the end, the movie flew by in no time.

"Big Time Adolescence" premiered to immediate acclaim at last year's Sundance film festival (yes, over a year ago), and Hulu snapped it up and is now giving this a brief theatrical run. The movie opened this weekend at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati, and the Friday early evening screening where I saw this at was attended dismally: 2 people including myself. (This was the day that the coronavirus was declared a national emergency.) If you are interested in a slightly different coming-of-age movie than what you have seen in the past, I'd readily suggest you check this out, be it in the theater (if you can), on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.

The ending is sadder than movies where the dog dies...

[TeeJay1992 · 10/10 · 14 March 2020]

Both actors have chemistry and Griffin doesn't act awkward like you would seem him to be at the beginning of the movie. I'd watch it again just for a few scenes that are so good. So many jokes in the movie too. Talks about real life stuff.

regular high school movie sort of

[HensLens1999 · 7/10 · 8 February 2021]

This is kind of a "COMING OF AGE" movie but it has two different leads. one is pete from snl who i think is mad funny, the other is the kid who has to grow out of looking up to pete. maybe they wanted u to wonder if pete was a bad influence or the kid made the chooses on his owne or if he was responsible? i don't know. but i liked petes other movie on staten island.

Surprisingly good

[hazelriggn · 9/10 · 27 November 2020]

Not much to say other than this a heartfelt and very funny movie. Fans of Pete Davidson will definitely love it, as well as fans of high school coming of age movies.

big time adolescence

[marmar-69780 · 7/10 · 16 March 2020]

Big time adolescence was a film that showed us how kids deals with their problems and also how friends influance on them can easily change their lifes on worser path and how they can suffer becase of it,before watching this film i was thinking that movie will be another disposable comedy that deals with some teenage problems that are taking itself way to seriously,but i must say that big time adolescence was a good watch for me and i found myself relating to some staff and their problems they are dealing with,comedy moments werent so funny to me but it had still a nice staff put on screen and they did good job with it,i was in end positivly surprised by this film

Sad ending

[arianner-52484 · 8/10 · 14 March 2020]

This movie gave me mixed emotions from laughing to also feeling really sad towards the end. Zeke is 23 years old and such a lovable character despite how much of a "loser" he is and how he treats all the women in his life. Mo, who is 16 years old, looks up to him so much but towards the end Mo realizes how much he does not want to end up like Zeke. Zeke is a really bad influence for Mo, with even Mo's dad and Mo's sister asking Zeke to leave him alone because they don't want him to screw up. Unfortunately towards the end, Mo's decisions cause him to lose the girl he liked and even some of his friends at school due to their backstabbing tendencies to save themselves from being in big trouble. Mo is clearly a good kid but he lets his false idealistic perspective of being cool like Zeke and his friends get in the way. It is obvious how broken Zeke is about losing Mo's friendship near the end because he really does not have anyone who views him as highly as he does with Mo. All the women abandon Zeke and treat him like the screw up that he really is and he ends up doing exactly what you think he would at the end of the movie.. At the end, Mo moves on with his life not looking back and Zeke is left behind exactly where he was before.

Fantastic acting, somewhat lame storyline

[NS-movie-reviews · 7/10 · 22 November 2021]

This is a 90 minute movie that fizzles out fast. I think Davidson and Gluck do a marvelous job with their characters and the script at hand. But it was just a bit boring of a story. It's absolutely more drama than comedy, which is fine, but there wasn't enough to keep it going.

Had so much more potential but ended up being an after school special

[ixtasis · 3/10 · 19 March 2020]

Real disappointing. What's the moral of the story, kids?! Lame. Is this what the world has come to? Pete Davidson, why did you do this crap? Eh It's not that I don't *get* it. It's that I think it's lame.

It Tries

[briankb8man · 6/10 · 30 December 2020]

It tries to be a moving coming-of-age story. But it's really just a story. Most of it is not really compelling, and I found myself not really caring whether it worked out for the characters or not.

Medium Time Adolescence

[questl-18592 · 6/10 · 2 July 2020]

I watched this movie. I know I did. It didn't really make an impression at all though. Is the story of two kids being kids and coming to terms with growing up. It's not a terribly original story, it's decently acted, has it's funny moments.

There's nothing inherently wrong here, it just doesn't do enough to distinguish itself from the myriad of other coming of age stories.