The Education of Charlie Banks

New York Times - 03/27/2009
"[T]hanks to sincere performances and clever writing, the movie never becomes maudlin. Drawing a firm line between blue blood and blue collar, Mr. Durst keeps his eyes on details..."

Box Office - 03/27/2009
3.5 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he film does a nice job moving between situations. The film also nails the uptown/downtown disconnect....The cast is superb in their performances....

Hollywood Reporter - 03/26/2009
"Fred Dursts's freshman feature serves as an entirely respectable debut for the former Limp Bizkit frontman....An intelligent coming-of-age drama....It travels in some unexpected, thoughtful directions."

This impressive directorial debut from Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst revolves around an intelligent young man named Charlie (played by Jessie Eisenberg of THE SQUID AND THE WHALE) and his tense adult relationship with the neighborhood bully of his youth. Growing up in a tough part of New York City in the 1970s, Charlie notices, but makes a point of avoiding, Mitch, a kid who is chasing girls and beating kids up in the fourth grade. But Charlie's best friend, Danny (Chris Marquette), is eager to prove his toughness, and befriends Mitch as they enter adolescence. One fateful evening Mitch almost kills two guys in Charlie's presence, so Charlie goes to the cops--then becomes terrified and refuses to testify. But the potential cost of what he's done haunts him for years to come, until one day Mitch shows up unannounced at the prestigious college Charlie and Danny attend, bringing with him a silent threat.

As Charlie prays for Mitch to go back home, Mitch takes everyone by surprise and tries to fit in and change. In his attempts to assimilate to a new world of intellect and wealth, he goes for the girl of Charlie's dreams, and changes the friendship dynamic Charlie has worked so hard to create. As Mitch becomes increasingly involved in a world unlike the one he came from, tensions grow and truths risk breaking the surface. THE EDUCATION OF CHARLIE BANKS features stellar performances from Jesse Eisenberg as well as Jason Ritter, who manages to create a charismatic and sympathetic character with tragic limitations. Eisenberg forms the film's moral core, with Eva Amurri giving substance to the female character both men lust for. Durst succeeds in creating a real sense of place, with sets, wardrobe, and music choices adding up to a believable whole.

The Education of Charlie Banks, which marks the directorial debut of Limp Bizkit's front-man Fred Durst, is a riveting tale about college students learning to deal with life, love, and ultimately facing their fears. This coming-of-age drama spans from the playgrounds of Greenwich Village to the idyllic greens of Vassar College.

Coming Of Age | Theatrical Release | Urban Violence