Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Education of Charlie Banks (2009)

DPEducationofCharlieBanks What’s it about?

Charlie Banks, now a college student, experiences and must deal with old problems when the past he thought he escaped from in high school shows up on his campus, and teaches him what he cannot learn in a classroom.

Who is in it?

Jessie Eisenberg – Charlie

Jason Ritter – Mick

Eva Amurri – Mary

Chris Marquette - Danny



Favorite Scene:

After a past of ending each of his fights with a kick to the face which has killed many, Mick showed mercy, and was not able to do the same to Charlie.

Favorite Quote:

“You can have a headful of the best ideas but if you can’t make the right moves in the world, they’re worthless.”

Review:

The Education of Charlie Banks is a film that is surprisingly very good. What is even more surprising is that it is directed by former Limp Bizkit lead man, Fred Durst.

The film gained many awards from the independent film committee, and deservingly so. From the excellent dialogue and great scenery, to the detailed characters, you truly get a feel for the situation that Charlie Banks is in, and most importantly the life lessons that he learns from his experience.

Jessie Eisenberg does a great job as Charlie Banks, a young, intelligent college student that connects with the intimidating Mick. Jason Ritter was just as complimentary as the hard nosed bully that learns about a life he never knew existed.

All in all, The Education of Charlie Banks is a smart and entertaining movie that pulls the viewer in due to its intrigue and unique plot. A recommended view.

Grade: 3.5/5

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

TNA Bound For Glory 2025 Review: "I can't recall a Bound For Glory as memorable as this one"

For the first time in a verrrrryyyyyyy long time, TNA's Bound For Glory event felt like the company's "biggest event of the year". For years, the historical context of the event has often lifted up Slammiversary in this role. Nonetheless, this year, both events felt huge.  Having attended Slammiversary back in July and witnessing firsthand the magic that was inside the UBS arena on the night of TNA's new (up until now) North American attendance record, I very much found myself overly excited for BFG. For me (for me! My feelings! - I know pro wrestling fans are ready to pounce on this) - it carried an excitement similar to that of WWE's major PLEs (e.g., Wrestlemania or Royal Rumble).  I was very much in front of the TV at 6:00pm - I wanted the entire experience.  What we got was TNA putting on yet another great show! At times, it felt overdone creatively, and I think TNA often has to be perfect in all aspects in regards to criticisms; however, overall, Boun...

Dear Son, My First "Super Proud" Moment

--- 7 Years 4 Months --- Dear Son,  Today is one of those days I am super proud of you.  Of course, I'm proud of you every day, but today, I wore it on my sleeve...just a bit.  See, today you tested and earned your yellow belt. And while it feels like you'll be sticking with this martial arts love for a while, and there will be many more belts to come, today provided a lot of firsts for me. It was the first time I've seen you in an environment where you truly applied preparation and perseverance. I watched you practice in our basement on your own. Kicking. Going through combinations and striking patterns. Practicing pushups and situps to get yourself where you need to be for the fitness test. I will forever remember the visual of watching you studying the definitions and principles of a fighting spirit in the car through my rear-view mirror before each training session. I sat at every practice and training for the past fifteen weeks - for the good ones, the bad ones, and ...