Seventeen-year-old Lou Pucci (as Justin Cobb) still sucks his thumb, which disturbs his parents - registered nurse Tilda Swinton and ex-football star Vincent D'Onofrio (as Audrey and Mike). The Oregon family reluctantly agrees to put young Pucci on ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) medication, which improves Pucci's performance on the high school debating team led by teacher Vince Vaughn. Pucci is also able to read "Moby Dick" straight through. But the meds don't mix well with Pucci's other growing pains. He likes bosomy pot-smoking Kelli Garner (as Rebecca), thinks mother Swinton might be having an affair, and...
Strangest of all, Pucci is unable to realize orthodontist Keanu Reeves (as Perry Lyman) is more than a little weird. Instead of running from Mr. Reeves' office, he allows the hypnotic bridge builder to put him under. This and Pucci's inability to located interested partners are a little implausible, but otherwise "Thumbsucker" is a believable drama. Pucci and director Mike Mills are able to convey the excitement and anxiety associated with the time when you venture out on your own. Not aware anyone like Pucci still does it, thumb-sucking may be a little allegorical. It is nicely cast, with Pucci and Swinton especially believable as mother and son.
******* Thumbsucker (1/23/05) Mike Mills ~ Lou Taylor Pucci, Tilda Swinton, Vincent D'Onofrio, Vince Vaughn
Strangest of all, Pucci is unable to realize orthodontist Keanu Reeves (as Perry Lyman) is more than a little weird. Instead of running from Mr. Reeves' office, he allows the hypnotic bridge builder to put him under. This and Pucci's inability to located interested partners are a little implausible, but otherwise "Thumbsucker" is a believable drama. Pucci and director Mike Mills are able to convey the excitement and anxiety associated with the time when you venture out on your own. Not aware anyone like Pucci still does it, thumb-sucking may be a little allegorical. It is nicely cast, with Pucci and Swinton especially believable as mother and son.
******* Thumbsucker (1/23/05) Mike Mills ~ Lou Taylor Pucci, Tilda Swinton, Vincent D'Onofrio, Vince Vaughn