Submarine

The claims that this movie was a lightweight Wes Anderson ripoff were unfounded. Does Anderson own claims to any movie ever made about a quirky teenage boy who has to wear a uniform to school?

The movie does a good job capturing the confusion and excitement of being a teenager. But it also adds other funny elements like the mom's ex paramour who possibly also might be her new suitor. Paddy Considine is hilarious in that role. Noah Taylor as the sad sack dad and Sally Hawkins as the mom are also well cast.

The story about the boy, Oliver is the glue though. And watching his courtship of his first girlfriend really made the movie for me. This isn't as good as what it is supposed to be a ripoff of but it's also much better than other movies of its ilk that I've seen. I liked it. Don't hold the Ben Stiller Presents label against it.

Directed by Richard Ayode
2011
Blu-ray