Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- nostalgic
- wistful
- nostalgic movie night
- summer evening
What critics said
Critics generally found the film an assured, historically authentic, emotionally sincere coming-of-age dramedy with strong performances, though its familiar material and restrained payoff limited its impact.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Luke has graduated from high school but remains suspended between dependence, marijuana dealing, therapy, and uncertain adulthood.
The film is set during the summer of 1994 in New York City and emphasizes period-specific youth culture.
Luke trades marijuana to psychologist Dr. Squires in exchange for therapy, making their unusual bond central to the story.
Luke is attracted to Stephanie while she is Dr. Squires' step-daughter, intertwining his romance with his therapist's family life.
Films like The Wackness, and why
Thumbsucker
shared coming-of-age drama, teenage alienation, and offbeat late-adolescent perspective
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
shared nostalgic 1990s atmosphere, teenage alienation, and emotionally sincere coming-of-age storytelling
Pineapple Express
shared stoner comedy, youthful outsider protagonist, and bittersweet transition into adulthood
Adventureland
shared adolescent self-discovery, romantic awkwardness, and warm indie dramedy tone
Movie Details
- Director
- Jonathan Levine
- Release Date
- 2008-07-03
- Runtime
- 99 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (323)
Cast
- Josh Peck
- Ben Kingsley
- Famke Janssen
- Olivia Thirlby
- Mary-Kate Olsen
- Jane Adams
- Method Man
- Aaron Yoo
- Talia Balsam
- David Wohl
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Wackness about?
- A lonely 1994 New York marijuana dealer finds friendship, therapy, and first love while drifting toward adulthood.
- What is The Wackness like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Wackness as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Wackness violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Wackness.
- What did critics think of The Wackness?
- Critics generally found the film an assured, historically authentic, emotionally sincere coming-of-age dramedy with strong performances, though its familiar material and restrained payoff limited its impact.
- Which films are like The Wackness?
- Films with a similar feel include Thumbsucker, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Pineapple Express, and Adventureland.
- How long is The Wackness?
- The Wackness runs 99 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Wackness?
- In United States, The Wackness is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
