Watch The Wackness

The Wackness is a coming-of-age drama film that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2008. Directed by Jonathan Levine, the movie stars Josh Peck as Luke Shapiro, a teenage marijuana dealer who is struggling to find his place in the world during the summer of 1994 in New York City. The movie begins with Luke graduating from high school, but unlike his peers, he has no plans for the future. Instead, he spends his time smoking weed, listening to hip hop, and trying to impress his crush, Stephanie (Olivia Thirlby). When his parents' marriage begins to fall apart, Luke sees an opportunity to make some money by selling drugs to his therapist, Dr. Squires (Ben Kingsley).

Dr. Squires, who is struggling with his own personal and professional issues, becomes intrigued by Luke and begins to offer him free therapy sessions in exchange for marijuana. As the two begin to bond over their shared love of hip hop, they both begin to confront their past traumas and search for a way to move forward.

The movie explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for connection. Luke is desperate for someone to understand him, while Dr. Squires is jaded and cynical, having lost all faith in humanity. Their unlikely friendship allows them both to confront their demons and find hope for the future.

The film captures the nostalgia of the mid-90s with its soundtrack featuring artists like Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, and Biggie Smalls. The movie also features cameos from hip hop legends Method Man and Mary J. Blige, adding to the film's authenticity.

The acting in the film is superb, particularly from Ben Kingsley, who delivers a nuanced and complex performance as the troubled therapist. Josh Peck also shines as Luke, bringing a depth and vulnerability to the character that makes him sympathetic, despite his flaws.

The cinematography of the movie is also noteworthy, capturing the grittiness and beauty of New York City. The movie is peppered with gorgeous shots of the city at night, capturing the frenetic energy and danger of urban life.

Overall, The Wackness is a poignant and bittersweet film that explores the complexities of human connection in a world that often feels alienating and lonely. It is a love letter to hip hop and a nostalgic look back at a time when life felt both simpler and more uncertain. The film is not without its flaws, but it is a powerful and moving portrait of two lost souls searching for a way to connect in a world that often feels disconnected.

The Wackness is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 61.