Edgy suburban satire is officially kaput with the obnoxiously derivative "The Chumscrubber," a grim comedy that strains for hipster cred by copying other, better films, often with alarming brazenness. The folks behind "American Beauty" and "Donnie Darko," for starters, might want to consider their legal options. Lifting the tone, ideas and even scenes from those films, "Chumscrubber" shovels out flaccid and pretentious social commentary that only very young filmmakers could mistake for urgent revelations. Down to the cloyingly cryptic title, the movie tries much too hard. Read the full review
A dark satire about life in the postcard-perfect California suburbs, centering on high school students like Dean Stiffle, who discovers the body of his drug-dealing best friend hanging in his bedroom, and adults like Dean's father, who writes pop-psychology books with titles like "The Happy Accident."
Director: Arie Posin
Starring: Jamie Bell, Camilla Belle, Justin Chatwin, Glenn Close, Rory Culkin
Run time: 108 minutes
Release date: August 5, 2005
Rating: R for language, violent content, drug material and some sexuality.
On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
Trailers require
Quicktime
Austin American-Statesman: 1 of 5 stars
"You feel bad for (the cast) for believing they were part of a sure-fire hipster project that will enjoy a hearty cult half-life. Ladies and gentlemen, you have been duped."
Inside AJC.COM
Atlanta Falcons
Can the surprising team make the playoffs? Here's what has to happen around the league.
Top Music Downloads
iTunes' 2008 top-selling single. It is Rihanna, Coldplay, Lil' Wayne or Leona Lewis?
Atlanta Holiday Guide
More than 10 perfect dresses for the holiday parties you're attending this month.
Atlanta's Favorite Recipes
Here are 12 of the most clicked-on recipes by ajc.com readers, including baked ziti.
Private Quarters - Splurge
Former Braves catcher Javy Lopez and his wife Gina show us their Suwanee home.
Best of the Big A
See who's voted Best Liquor Store in Metro Atlanta. Plus nominate best drive-time DJ.
From the Blogs
-
Radio & TV Talk
12/2: Former 99Xers Fred Toucher, Rich Shertenlieb, Crash Clark get morning gig in Boston
-
American Idol Buzz
12/3: Justin Guarini, Tamyra Gray doing Atlanta Salvation Army benefits this weekend
-
Movie Talk
-
Atlanta Music Scene
-
Chatter
Table Talk
-
Misadventures in Atlanta
-
Peach Buzz
-
Social Butterfly
-
Best of the Big A
Best of the Big A
-
Current nominations
-
Current voting
What's the best place to buy a gift for a person who has everything?
-
Latest winner




