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Cast: Keir Gilchrist, Brie Larson, Adam Arkin, Camryn Manheim, Kyle Kaplan
Who is high school sophomore Michael Peck? Is he a model son? A band geek? A science nerd? No, he's just Peck (Keir Gilchrest, It's Kind of a Funny Story), a 5-foot-2, skinny, 104-pound weakling whom no one notices until he meets Emily (Brie Larson, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), a beautiful and popular senior, who befriends the awkward boy. When Peck's overbearing power parents (Marcia Cross and Adam Arkin) force him to compete in the school science fair, he risks becoming even more of a social outcast. But Peck has a brilliant plan: he'll create a project so outrageous it will rock the school and get even with his parents. And maybe, just maybe, he won't be just Peck to Emily anymore.
The film is about Michael Peck or Peck for short, Peck is a sky teenager who doesn't have many friends except for a small group of misfits at his high school. His home life isn't the best either, he has two over-bearing parents that never really listen to what Peck has to say and they seem to already know what is best for him. One day Peck lucks out and gets to meet Emily, a popular girl in school and the one he has a crush on. The two couldn't be any different on the outside but when you look deeper they share a few things like parents that are not there for them. This all leads to a science project that Peck is forced to take part of by his parents but what he sets out to do leads to more chaos in his already complicated life.
"Just Peck" is not a ground-breaking coming of age story on the outside at least but it manages to be quite entertaining none the less. Much of the humor in the film comes from it's awkward situations and Peck's over-all awkwardness, he's a very likable person which is what carries the film. Right from the start you care for him and you root him on the entire film wondering if his parents will finally shut up and just listen to how he feels and if he will get the girl in the end? Those are only a few of the things that keep you attached to the story, it's a well-written comedy that never feels forced in it's delivery. The whole geek boy/popular girl theme has been done over and over again but "Just Peck" manages to bring a fresh if not original approach to it all. Kier Gilchrist and Brie Larson of "United States of Tara" show once again that they are two very talented young actors who have a bright future ahead of them. The film also sports an amazing supporting cast that includes, Marcia Cross and Adam Arkin as Peck's parents. As far as the production value goes they are very good and the music fits the film very well.
"Just Peck" isn't the kind of coming of age film that will leave you feeling all warm inside but it will leave you with a big smile on your face. I have a good feeling that this is going to perform very well on home video from strong word of mouth, I certainly found it to be much better than I expected and I myself highly recommend seeing it if you're a fan of the genre. You can order the DVD HERE.
**** Out Of *****