The Education of Charlie Banks

Directed by Fred Durst, frontman of rap-metal band Limp Bizkit, The Education of Charlie Banks stars Jesse Eisenberg (Adventureland) in the title role as a smart and sensitive—if also somewhat nerdy—Ivy League college student in the early 1980s. Cruel fate throws Charlie back into close contact with his childhood bête noire: a charismatic, occasionally charming thug named Mick (Jason Ritter, son of the late John), who suddenly arrives unannounced in Charlie's dorm room and proceeds to insinuate himself into his former victim's life, penetrating his circle of privileged friends and wooing the hot rich girl (Eva Amurri, Susan Sarandon's daughter) whom Charlie has a crush on. Erstwhile bully Mick—a troubled kid who grew up in a string of foster homes—is not entirely unlikable, and even though the film strains credulity regarding Mick's ability to ingratiate himself so thoroughly with Charlie's pals, there are echoes of The Great Gatsby here, especially when Charlie becomes more of a spectator than participant in his own life. Although a little more humor would have helped the too often flat dialogue, Durst shows some promise as a filmmaker. Optional. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Fred Durst and costar Jason Ritter, 24 minutes of “Conversations Behind The Education of Charlie Banks” cast and crew interviews, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an uneven but interesting film.] (E. Hulse)