Tadpole


Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Aaron Stanford, John Ritter, Bebe Neuwirth, Ron Rifkin
Directed by: Gary Winick
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Comedy
2002
Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: 15 year old Oscar (Aaron Stanford) is mature beyond his years. Going home for Thanksgiving Break, he realizes he is in love with his stepmother (Sigourney Weaver). Things become even more complicated when Oscar gets drunk and sleeps with his stepmother's best friend, Diane (Bebe Neuwirth). Oscar fears the revelation of this secret will ruin his chances with his stepmother and even further complicate the relationship with his father (John Ritter).

Review:

Tim: I have never been a very big fan of the adults-sleeping-with-minors plotline, but at least it is done pretty well here. Tadpole is not a terrific movie, but it tries hard to show the confusion and anguish of a young teenager who has fallen for the wrong woman... in this case, his stepmother. And, who, consequently, sleeps with her late-30s friend. Man, I hate when that happens!

The cast all act very well. Aaron Stanford does an outstanding job in his debut film. He has bitg the mental capacity needed to play a very adult-like kid, but also the naviety that a fifteen year old boy should possess. Show me another young actor who could pull that off better. I doubt you can.

The supporting cast is pretty decent. John Ritter gives a fine performance and Sigourney Weaver isn't bad at all. Neither give their best effort, but they don't ruin the film at all. Especially enjoyable to watch is Bebe Neuwirth in a pretty unconventional role. She pulls it off brilliantly, however.

All in all, the performances are what make this film watchable and allow the movie to tell an interesting story. Without great performances, this movie could have sunk to cheap smut. However, it is intelligent and somehow above the oftentimes dysfunctional content of its story. And, if for no other reason to enjoy this movie, it is fairly short, so you won't have to spend too much time with it.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7



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