Pecker (R) *** 1/2 Starring Edward Furlong, Christina Ricci Directed by John Waters A Review by Frankie Paiva
John Waters has been known to make comic masterpieces. Well, perhaps not masterpieces, but he's still known to make movies that are pretty darn funny, and this film is no exception. It's sort of a documentary of people who live their lives a little differently from our own, what becomes of it, and how it's viewed by the outside world.
Pecker (Furlong, a very wise casting choice) is obsessed with taking photos of everything around him. In the opening scene, he goes through an entire roll of film while sitting on the bus. His girlfriend is Shelly, (Ricci) she runs a laundromat and poses often for his work. He also knows a thief named Matt, (Brad Sexton III) and he films him stealing things from the supermarket.
One day when Pecker (known for the way he eats, like a bird) has displayed some of his work in the sub shop that he works at, a New York art gallery owner (Lili Taylor) walks in and is overcome with enthusiasm, because she's found a new talent. The art world is set on fire with Pecker's visions of small town life, but their interests and influences, soon find his way of life becoming more and more like theirs.
The film is very, very funny. Only mastermind Waters could dream up an old woman that gives a voice to her statue of the Virgin Mary, (if this is giving you major question marks or if you have other inquiries just rent it) not to mention a young girl that snorts sugar and vegetables like drugs. Other characters like this are present to give the film even more wackiness than recent comedies.
Pecker does have some problems though. There are countless sex and nudity scenes (strip clubs, angry lesbian strippers, etc.) there aren't really needed and warrant the film a higher rating than it deserves. Most of the film feels implausible, and some dialog and situations seem forced. Performances are good all around with Furlong (who is shaped up to become a big actor) and Brad Sexton III leading the pack. Do you enjoy funny movies? Of course you do! So see Pecker, which gets ***1/2 stars.
The Young-Uns: The film contains female nudity and several scenes in a gay strip club with lots of men in thongs. The film also contains several bad attitudes towards people and authorities. Good Age: 15 & Up
A Review by Frankie Paiva The 12 Year-Old Movie Reviewer E-Mail me at SwpStke@aol.com Visit my website at: http://expage.com/page/teenagemoviecritic
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