Manic

Jordan Melamed's debut feature has been called a juvenile version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and there is a superficial resemblance, given that Manic is about a group of troubled youngsters in a mental health facility. But ultimately this is much closer to a hopped-up version of The Breakfast Club, in which a disparate bunch of kids bond in confinement (there's even a “communal dance” sequence, though here it's a destructive rave-like rampage rather than a music video routine). Still, even while the relationships are rather formulaic, the plot twists often implausible, and the revelations overly pat, Manic has points in its favor: the gritty atmosphere lessens the afterschool special feel, the acting is strong, and the resolution is satisfyingly ambiguous. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, in particular, is a powerhouse as the lanky, highly charged kid who's admitted for brutally beating a classmate; his rage and resentment seem absolutely authentic. While the rest of the cast don't quite match him, that's largely because their roles aren't nearly as complex. Unhappily, the picture's virtues are undermined by Melamed's frantic direction and the almost rabid HDV camerawork, which takes the title much too literally: in fact, the jerkiness is so extreme and pervasive that you might need a motion sickness pill. Though it has flashes of insight, Manic's predictable structure and frenetic visual approach take a heavy toll, making this an optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Jordan Melamed and writer/costar Michael Bacall, nine deleted scenes with optional director commentary (16 min.), a 10-minute behind-the-scenes featurette, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a so-so film.] (F. Swietek)