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Great Film overall

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Blistering performances.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

But definitely worth it. Watched it for Emma Roberts, wished she'd played a bigger role, and Silverman, same wish. But stayed for an interesting story, albeit as implausible as it gets. It ended up just being...sweet. Mickey Rourke, who will never be considered an acting titan, can do regret...like in the Wrestler. I feel he draws from a deeply personal place for that regret, and it translates well on screen. Just my two cents.

The character Ed was drawn out through the film. Rather than a gradual formation of confidence, the character was entirely on the fence. His intelligence greatly surpassed his ability to connect with people and understand their feelings - this changes near the end as events become more serious and he obviously learns some life lessons from Ashby. Aside from this typical series of events, the character Ashby had a lot to offer to the film, but it seemed too rushed for any in-depth progression. Regardless, Rourke's acting is entirely convincing and heartfelt, taking you into the life of someone who has done wrong but with good intentions. Also, beyond the cliché high school scenes, there was an interesting perspective by the director that played out as it went beyond the typical jock-hierarchy and parties to something more systematic. However it did not shy away from the stereotypical high school drama - just not to the extent that the film would feel like your average high school movie.

Uneven Blend of "Coming of Age", and Crime Drama that in part is Quite Good, in others Not So Much. The whole Football Thing is a Complete, Clichéd Bore with Clunky and Unfunny Attempts at Humor and Machismo vs Intellect.Mickey Rourke is OK if Not on His A-Game, and Emma Roberts is Fine and maybe the most Interesting Character that is Not a Retread. Matt Wolff is Irritating Most of the Time and this is Basically seen from His Point of View. Worth a Watch but Be Prepared for some Cringe-Inducing Scenes that are just Embarrassing. When Rourke is on the Screen it is Better than Average, but Overall the Movie is Let-Down by some Unfunny Stuff, is All Over the Map in Terms of Story, and the Limitations of a Lead Teen Actor and a Director that can't Seem to Find a Tone that works Consistently.

High school misfit (Nat Wolff) befriends next-door neighbor who just happens to be terminally ill former CIA assassin (Mickey Rourke). This movie features some solid performances by most of the actors, although the script can't tie all of the overlapping story-lines together in a way director intended. Also, film has occasional heartwarming moments but isn't well-rounded enough. It's not a great film, but for me and film was as filled with light humorous tone that did make flick a pleasant experience.7-/10