Teenage Dirtbag

Where do I begin? First of all, I gave this movie 10 of 10, despite its many flaws, just because it affected me in a way that no other movie has. Scott M. Foster's acting here is more than excellent - it gave me chills and kept me involved to the very end. The soundtrack had a great impact on me too - probably it's the second major factor that makes this one worth-watching. Of course, you'll notice many things that are not right (like when we see Thayer's big scar... and then in some of the next scenes it's gone), but everything about this movie is so emotional that I just ignored its shortcomings. I surely will follow Scott's career with huge interest from now on. This guy has great potential.

I extremely enjoyed this indie gem from the first minute to the last, even though the concept and the various topics, which have been touched in the movie (hatred turning to love, broken home, fitting in, far-from-perfect high school environment), cannot be called authentic. The idea, however, that a certain conflict originating in one's deviation from the average on whatever grounds can be overcome by the power of words is refreshing. Here poetry is the key to annihilate the barriers between the main characters. Through the creative writing class the characters embark on letting each other peek under the surface to discover who they really are. Probably that's why the male leader is so obnoxious when we first encounter him, whereas later it is unavoidable not to like him or at least not to sympathise with him.

Poignant film with elaborate characters, nice soundtrack and brilliant poems.

Supposedly based on true events, Teenage Dirtbag tells the story of Amber a popular high school girl who is harassed by a delinquent boy,Thayer. Thayer seems to develop an obsession with Amber and what begins as teasing and harassment soon evolves into affection as Thayer tries to reach and connect with Amber.They are placed in the same creative writing class and trough written words they start to understand each other a little better and the class becomes a bonding experience as they share their feelings. A friendship starts to form but Amber is confused by her feelings and Thayer has to withstand his abusive father and a broken home.Teenage Dirtbag is essentially a unrequited love story between teenagers.Very well written and directed,this small independent film turned out to be a pleasant surprise and it deserves more recognition and a wider distribution. The performances were all very solid with a special mention to the lovely Noa Hegesh who did a terrific job as Amber.The musical score which caught me by surprise,complimented the movie very nicely and kinda took it to another level. Overall a great effort by first time director Regina Crosby.

7/10

This is one of the best movies I've ever seen maybe the best so far. Its got just the right amount of tears and laughter. Its shocking and depressing. But its so amazing and proves a point. "death is fleeting..love lasts forever." STATEMENT. Teens have this thing where if they stay in their social group that they are just dandy. But going out and about from your social group brings many other things to your life that you never knew you'd actually wanna know. if i was in their situation i would of been just as shocked as amber was. Both Amber Lang and Thayer are awesome characters. I do believe this is one of he best movies I've ever seen in my whole life.

I once showed "Teenage Dirtbag" to a college class of freshman-level composition students. While none of them absolutely loved it, it kept the entire class in rapt attention, and no one complained that it was just "stupid" or "boring," which is noteworthy. They found Amber Lange and Thayer Mangeress two very well-realized characters, and Amber's poignant closing lines produced a flurry of involuntary hums and sighs. One guy noted that it had a low budget feel, and that he would have liked more special effects, changes in scenery, and everything else one gets from larger company productions. I saw his point but think the lowbudgetness also adds to the essential realism of the film. What my class found most intriguing were the open questions and room for speculation this film leaves about what _really_ happen to Thayer's father and brother.

"Teenage Dirtbag" may not be anything truly special, but it accomplishes what its makers set out to do very well: Taut and gripping storyline with excellent acting and characterization. Several years after seeing it, this film remains quite fresh in my mind.