Dir: Azazel Jacobs
Starring: Jacob Wysocki, John C. Reilly
The Film:
Terri is going to be a like it or didn’t film, and unfortunately for me it was a didn’t. I didn’t know much about the film, but I had heard some positive things, so I went in optimistic. Now don’t get me wrong there are some decent things about it, but as a whole I was just left with a bad taste in my mouth.
Terri is about an overweight teenager named well Terri (played bravely by Jacob Wysocki); he has to look after his dementia ridden Uncle and try to get by in school. He shows up to school in his pyjama’s and he has a crush on girl, but his ways soon get him sent to Assistant Principle Mr. Fitzgerald (John C. Reilly) who tries to help Terri and the other school misfits.
This is one of those indie quirky types (you know like Napoleon Dynamite), and yes it has its quirks but there were other issues I had with it. It is simplistic in its storytelling and it really gives us no back-story for Terri, why he was with his Uncle, where his parents were and so forth. We just see what he is now and how he does change through the film, although that change isn’t anything huge but perhaps enough to leave us on a better note.
This is meant to be a coming of age story, and I am sure that is what filmmaker Azazel Jacobs intended. But for so much of the film we’re reminded of Terri’s weight. The film starts off with him bathing, and we get to see just how big he is. And this continues, it gets shoved down our throats and for what reason I don’t know. He does get picked on at school but we don’t see this too much and are left to assume this happens and he is an outcast.
I guess what invigorates Terri and the film for a bit is the inclusion of the energetic Mr. Fitzgerald, whose friendship helps Terri leave his shell a little. Their relationship is odd, but we get the sense that this man does the same thing with each kid sent to him until Terri sort of calls him out on it. Things get stranger when Terri befriends his crush and helps her out of something that is quite disturbing. This friendship isn’t exactly explored, nor is the one Terri forms with another outcast.
The film is quite uneven, and while there are a few laughs and genuine moments, I don’t think its full potential was achieved and the dwelling on Terri’s weight really took me out of this film and I was left just shaking my head. Performance wise I don’t think I need to tell you John C. Reilly does a great job, he always does and he’s certainly welcome here. Jacob Wysocki is good, and as mentioned it is a brave performance. He tries his best but I felt his part was under written and it suffered because of that.
I am sure people will disagree with my feelings, which is fine, films are meant to challenge their audience and give us reason to discuss them. This didn’t work for me, but I wouldn’t rule it out for others because this just might get someone else.
The Australian DVD
Audio/Video: The video is a 16:9 widescreen presentation. It is a solid presentation, I was impressed with how nice and sharp the picture was. Audio is presented with Dolby Digital 5.1. this is a great audio track, its loud and clear.
Extras:
* Theatrical trailer
Overall Rating
Thanks to Ben from MadMan for his support.
The Super Network 