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

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...

Knicks Back in ECF Causing Catharsis

I've certainly shared my emotions and thoughts regarding the New York Knicks on this site over the years. There have been plenty of those to sort through - most of them are rants. Tonight, the New York Knicks ultimately destroyed the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, 119-81. I sat on my couch, afraid to allow myself to feel joy until that final buzzer. As a Knicks fan, I've been through too much to allow myself to do anything else, to make any assumption, until it was final. Until it was confirmed. Until something couldn't fall through...the way we're used to.  Once it was final, it was unreal.  The New York Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals. For the first time since 2000.  I was 15 years old the last time that happened. And that was a run with a squad that I consider (still) to be my favorite Knicks team of all-time.  I sat on my couch with all sorts of feelings. My wife was likely trying to understand the moment. My son, exci...