Filmikaze!

By: Mike Mills (director, writer), Walter Kirn (novel)

Starring: Lou Taylor Pucci, Tilda Swinton, Vincent D’Onofrio, Kelli Garner, Vince Vaughn, Keanu Reeves, Benjamin Bratt

Justin throws himself and everyone around him into chaos when he attempts to break free from his addiction to his thumb.

Of late, I am a Lou Taylor Pucci fan. Thumbsucker is only the third film I’ve seen him in, but what I’ve seen is more than enough to convince me that he’s got a lot of talent. Take the aforementioned Thumbsucker, an irreverent coming-of-age jaunt that centers on a teen boy with a habit of (surprise!) sucking his thumb. The clout of the supporting cast would be daunting for any young actor, I’d think, but Pucci carries the film beautifully.

I’ve got to give due credit to Mike Mills, too, for allowing the film to be quirky without sacrificing believability. The framing of shots is perfectly-tailored to the subtle way the film presents the complexities of the human condition. It’s a good movie all-around, shot well and with a stellar cast. This is one of those movies you cling to and want to watch over and over again; a comfort film. In my opinion, those may be the best kind.