Reece Thompson in Rocket Science screening at the Central Library. (Picturehouse)
I want to quickly highlight the San Diego Public Library's free screening tonight (March 10 at 6:30pm) of last year's Rocket Science . This wonderful film got lost in the shuffle of bigger and better promoted films, so I just want to urge people to make an effort to seek this one out. Plus you can't beat the price! The film marks the narrative feature debut of documentary filmmaker Jeffrey Blitz, who made the award-winning Spellbound . For his first fictional film, Blitz turns once again to students and competition. But instead of a national spelling bee, Blitz focuses on one stammering young boy (Reece Thompson) who joins the debate squad. The film presents the debate team as a place where kids wield “words like weapons and ideas like axes.” Not a very friendly place for a shy boy who can barely say hello to a girl he likes. The film avoids cliches and a pat Hollywood ending in order to deliver something much fresher, richer and more satisfying. Go and enjoy.Rocket Science screens at the Central Library (820 E St., San Diego) in the third floor auditorium. For more information, call (619) 236-5800.
Listen to my review of Rocket Science .
