SummaryCharlie Bank's sheltered world at his Ivy League campus is shaken when Mick, an old acquaintance with a violent past, unexpectedly shows up at his dorm room. Intrigued by Charlie's privileged lifestyle, the charismatic Mick quickly wins over Charlie’s friends and his crush, Mary as he seamlessly integrates himself into Charlie’s life. Unnerved ye... Read More
Directed By:Fred Durst
Written By:Peter Elkoff
The Education of Charlie Banks
Metascore
Mixed or Average
50
User score
Generally Favorable
6.6
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Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
50
22% Positive
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
78% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
70
Although the impressively acted ensemble piece occasionally gets tripped up by Peter Elkoff's overtly literate script, it travels in some unexpected, thoughtful directions.
67
Ritter, who's like the young Ethan Hawke on a bender of violence, is an actor to watch.
60
Probes class consciousness with rather more sensitivity than originality.
50
What doesn't work so persuasively is Elkoff's script, particularly the overuse of voice-over.
50
There's enough sweetness, and enough just-under-the-surface intelligence, in The Education of Charlie Banks to suggest that Durst may have a future as a filmmaker.
40
Another nicely understated performance from Jesse Eisenberg anchors this shambling drama.
40
Durst and Elkoff deliver a nuanced scenario of class assimilation and resentment, then flub the ending.
User score
Generally Favorable
6.6
40% Positive
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
60% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Feb 3, 2011
5
A good solid piece that starts with a bang but unfortunately fails to develop. The opening party scene is enjoyable but the rest of the film lacks dynamics. Durst and Eisenberg are positively unspectacular which benefits our perception of Ritter's sociopath but the director is guilty of boring his audience and ultimately nothing happens which leaves me feeling unfulfilled. 59/100
