Angus’ home life is also different than most kids at his school. He is being raised by a truck-driving mother (the excellent Kathy Bates) and his ever-dozing grandpa (the most excellent George C. Scott. Yes, that George C. Scott, in one of his last film roles). Grandpa is about to marry a woman 40 years younger than he is, so everyone at home is preoccupied with the wedding. At the same time, Angus is trying to get into a science magnet school in town, believing he can start fresh and his bullying will stop.

There is some excellent work from the actors here, especially the scenes between Talbert, Scott, and Bates. There is a scene between Angus and Grandpa where they are discussing bravery (“Superman isn’t brave. Someone that knows they are indestructible isn’t brave, Angus. You are brave.”) that is especially touching. I won’t lie, I had tears flowing as I watched this over the past weekend. Van Der Beek excels at being a complete asshole. Richards is lovely in her interactions with Angus. Also, be on the look-out for Irvin Kershner (Johnson is Star Wars Fan Zero, remember?), of all people, who turns up in a couple of scenes as Scott’s chess playing friend.

The music in the film is also worth noting. Yes, it is very much of the time, but it fits film. Green Day, The Smoking Popes, Ash, Mazzy Star, and Weezer (whose song is written specifically for the film) all appear. During the opening credit sequence there is a marching band playing Love Spit Love’s “Am I Wrong” with Richard Butler (of the Psychedelic Furs) on vocals.