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Director helps young actors excel in '12 and Holding'
by Hap Erstein

Director Michael Cuesta burst on the film scene five years ago with L.I.E., a creepy little Long Island tale of a 15-year-old boy who gets caught in the web of an avuncular child molester. It was compelling enough to make his follow-up feature an event and despite a few far-fetched details, Cuesta does not disappoint with 12 and Holding. Read the full review

TO SUM UP
Three close-knit 12-year-olds — introverted Jacob, precocious Malee and vulnerable Leonard — start down the path of self-discovery and begin to distinguish their own voices from those of their parents. Sparked by the tragic death of Jacob's twin brother, the trio band together as they grapple with the burden of grief and feelings of revenge.

FILM FACTS ...

IFC Films

'12 and Holding'

Director: Michael Cuesta
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Linus Roache, Annabella Sciorra, Jayne Atkinson, Tom McGowan
Run time: 94 minutes
Release date: May 19, 2006
Rating: R for some violence and sexual content involving minors, and for language.

Meet the director
Is Michael Cuesta drawn to the dark side?

On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
Trailers require Quicktime

READ THE REVIEW

Austin American-Statesman: 3 of 5 stars
"To the credit of the young actors, these kids seem a little deeper and more thoughtful than the movie depicting their world."

Read the full review

The Palm Beach Post: B
"The film careens from crisis to crisis. Yet each time it threatens to spin out of control, Cuesta demonstrates a firm hand that keeps us leaning in with interest."