Nearing Grace

A coming-of-age story adapted from a novel by Scott Sommer, (Nearing Grace) seamlessly blends drama and comedy while flawlessly replicating a 1970s suburban milieu. Having recently lost his mom, hormone-addled teenager Henry Nearing (Gregory Smith) spends his days in a haze of marijuana smoke, while his grieving father (David Morse) drowns his sorrows in booze, and his brother (David Moscow) fries his brain with LSD. The supremely discontented Henry lusts after teen temptress Grace (Jordana Brewster), a raven-haired beauty who dates the high school football star but deliberately entices Henry just for fun. One thing leads to another, with Henry's obsession ultimately resulting in a life-altering experience. Smith gives a good performance, as does the always-dependable Morse, but the film's top acting honors go to Brewster, finally getting a meaty role after toiling for years in undemanding parts. The fine background music features—among others—tunes by the Grateful Dead, the Kinks, the Ramones, Blue Oyster Cult, and Bob Dylan. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentaries by director Rick Rosenthal and costar Jordana Brewster, an eight-minute behind-the-scenes featurette, and trailers. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a fine indie film.] (E. Hulse)