Having nothing better to do, I watched “Rocket Science” earlier tonight. It’s pretty much your typical coming-of-age indie flick, (nothing too original), but it has its own cute, quirky moments. The colorful film centers on Hal Hefner (played by newcomer Reece Daniel Thompson), a stuttering boy who reluctantly joins the Plainsboro High School Debate Team due to the suggestion of a pretty girl. The film cast progresses as Hal decides to enter the state finals to amend himself after much public humiliation and a broken heart. The actors are basically spot-on with their characters. They fit well into their often awkward scenes, as the film has a rather unpretentious depiction of high school set in a New Jersey suburb. The film itself is nothing fancy; it resembles other independent youth flicks, but its simple scenes come off the screen as a very genuine effort from the actors and director, Jeffrey Blitz. Heston (played by Aaron Yoo), in particular, stands out as Hal’s somewhat creepy, but loving and supportive best friend. He adopts his character well with the quiet demeanor and unusual personality, right down to his ineptly shaped bowl haircut. The soundtrack, which features songs from Clem Snide frontman Eef Barzelay, also tends to grow on you. I can’t say I loved it, (some of it was slow-paced) but overall, it was a pretty fun film to watch.

 
But to me, its nothing compared to Wes Andersons “Rushmore.” I prefer Andersons soundtrack too.