The Chumscrubber (2005)

Truly Dreadful Film

Must See Movie...

Absolutely the worst movie.

A Major Disappointment

I don't know why I originally chose to sit down and watch 'The Chumscrubber.' Maybe it was the name, or maybe it was the impressive cast list? Or maybe I was just bored. Whatever the reason, it left a profound impact on me. I watched it. Loved it. And then forgot about it completely until the next time. Then I repeated that - again and again. I've seen it at least three times now and every time I love it and, for whatever reason, have real trouble recalling what it was about until I find myself watching it again a few years later.I guess it could be described as a really 'unique' type of film, or at least it would be if it wasn't for the fact that it feels very similar to the legendary 'Donnie Darko.' In today's world of 'shared cinematic universes' I reckon there's a reality out there somewhere where the two of these films co-exist. Both are about a young, troubled boy whose world is turned upside down in an insular community of modern suburban America.Whereas 'Donnie Darko' was definitely science fiction, I'm tempted to say that 'The Chumscrubber' is also - at least part - sci-fi. However, on my latest re-watch I'd say whatever 'supernatural' elements are here, they are so minor they're barely worth talking about. Jamie Bell plays Dean, whose drug-dealing best friend kills himself, leaving the local thugs out of pocket when it comes to their stash. Therefore, the town's clichéd school bullies kidnap another boy and try to blackmail Dean into retrieving the 'merchandise.'Seeing as I'm refusing to acknowledge 'The Chumscrubber' as science fiction, I'm going to call it a 'satire.' In other words... it's not quite funny enough to be a comedy, but there's enough in it to make you smile to stop it from being an out and out drama. Its message is how parents are too wrapped up in their own - legally medicated - worlds to notice what's happening to their own children.I can see a lot of people finding this film 'too weird' to be enjoyable, but, put simply, if you're a fan of 'Donnie Darko' type movies, you should like what's happening here, too. It's clever, dramatic, funny, different, has a message about our modern way of life and did I mention practically every cast member is a recognisable face in his or her own right?

I'd never heard of this film until watching it today, & what a shame that is! The title may have been off-putting to mass-distribution, but it's a clever metaphor for the allegory of oblivious parents in a sunny, picture-perfect California suburb. The children of these parents are completely jaded & disconnected; the parents, who skim the surface of their daily routines, have no idea who their children are or what they do---& therein lies the clincher. The plot unfolds after a pivotal event shakes up the balance of suburbia.The satire is sharp, well-written, & a perfect foil for our modern society. This is "Leave it to Beaver" meets "Halloween" in some ways; suburbia is not what it appears, & danger is lurking in every sunny, well-planned street. The parents, in my opinion, have the same kind of moral disconnect---leaving no moral impressions upon their children for them to learn & grow with---that one imagines could happen with those who "act out" as the Columbine killers or the Virginia Tech killer did...No one paid any attention; no one had the depth to care & notice that something was terribly amiss. Everyone is so busy with "activities" that no one has any awareness.This is a great little gem of a movie that is well worth your time---don't miss it!

This seems to be one of those movies L.A. actors like to do, possibly because they don't have to commute very far to the shoot during filming. Whatever the reason, the result is an ensemble cast that includes some really high quality actors (Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, William Fichtner, John Heard, Rita Wilson), essentially spinning their thespian wheels in a film that's not really bad, but just adds nothing new or redeeming to what was already a pretty shallow subgenre.Yes, okay, the L.A. suburbs are full of vapid, narcissistic, and most importantly--or at least, most conspicuously--over-medicated tools so starved for genuine human interaction and so beaten down by the lack of it that they have no recourse but to swallow a handful of the pink ones and join the zombie masses themselves, thereby (ironically) perpetuating the cycle.It's a great conceit, but for the love of Jeff, it's been done to death. Watch Rian Johnson's "Brick" from 2005 instead. Much more edifying, entertaining, and original.

This movie was good, the acting was incredible. at parts it was slow, but it had enough twists to keep you interested. The ending, although it told you/showed you what happened after the events that transpired during the movie, was to short. I would have liked to have seen more than just a kiss betweenst the two. Show the two having a fun time together as a couple would. The basis of the name of the movie was pretty weak. But the characters were good. This movie is just another reason why Camilla Belle is my favorite actress. She fit her character very well. some parts of the movie seemed pointless and unnecessary the movie, like when the drugs were put in the hot dish it didn't seem relevant to the events in the movie if you ask me. Their was one scene in the movie that had a really good point, it was when Camilla said, don't act like like someone your not, if u do that long enough you'll forget that your acting. It is a true statement that people should remember.