A film like Mean Creek makes you think. It doesn't necessarily make you sad or happy; it's not that type of film. It definitely inspires some type of emotion but in most cases it's very difficult to put your finger on what effect it's having. The first half is fraught with tension and the anticipation that the inevitable is about to happen, and the second half is deeply layered; painting a portrait of human flaw and the effect of consequence.

Maybe you were the victim, maybe you were the perpetrator or maybe you were just neutral. Regardless, everyone knows the bully. From Grade 1 through the rest of life, the bully is around us in some form, be it a classmate or co-worker. George (Josh Peck) is the definition of the word. He's loud and obnoxious, he's spiteful and given the opportunity, just plain mean. After a recess encounter with George leaves Sam (Rory Culkin) black and blue, he enlists the aid of his brother Rocky (Trevor Morgan) and with the help of Rocky's friends Clyde (Ryan Kelley) and Marty (Scott Mechlowicz), a plan is drafted.

A birthday party for Sam is the setting, though it isn't his birthday at all. A loser like George has no friends and will, of course, jump at the chance to belong. A boat trip, they tell him. A day out with the guys. The big day comes and George happily joins the group with a present for Sam in hand. A water-gun, how fitting. Sam's "friend" Millie (Carly Schroeder) is along for the ride and knowing Sam's animosity towards George appears puzzled. "What is George doing here, Sam?" she asks, confused. They drive off towards the river, not knowing their lives are about to change forever.

Firstly, the cast. Easily one of the best acted movies of 2004. As the leader of the group, Marty is by far the most flawed. His father having recently comitted suicide and having only his brother Kile (Brandon Williams) to torment him, his mean spirit appears justified. Clyde is timid and constantly teased for having gay fathers and Sam and Rocky are excellent as they struggle with trying to like George. The character of George is the most difficult for the audience to digest. At times he appears likable before sliding into the role of downright loathsome. As Millie utters the phrase "Start the game" the tension peaks.

The movie itself was made very well. The scenery is beautiful and the transitions to the view from George's camcorder come out smoothly. Writer/Director Jacob Aaron Estes has created an excellent movie, putting the audience into a state of regression, forcing them to feel what his characters feel. As the film comes to a close and we hear the haunting voice-over it leaves us with a slight bitter taste in our mouths and shows us what we're all capable of.

Bill McCormick