Name: Aaron Fowler

Section: Movies

Title:
Relatively unknown indie director Azazel Jacobs (“Momma’s Man,” “The GoodTimesKid”) returns with “Terri,” his third film and the most powerful and commercial one to date. Those looking for a fresh new film should be pleased with the latest picture from the son of legendary experimental filmmaker Ken Jacobs. A critical favorite at this Sundance Film Festival, “Terri” should have no problem touching the hearts of all those that are fortunate to experience it.

Terri is a high-school student who suffers day after day of peer alienation — though he’s at home and comfortable in his pajamas, which he wears to class. Though a good kid, a few tardy days send him to meet with the school’s vice principal, played by the always likable John C. Reilly, whose young childhood may also mirror Terri’s. Together with the likes of a somewhat psychotic misfit and the recently damaged girl of his dreams, they form an unlikely bond that may be the key to what Terri is missing in life.

Lead actor Jacob Wysocki is sincere and exceptionally real in the role of Terri, an overweight outcast who has a hard time being accepted. Creed Bratton (“The Office”) is sensational in a character that couldn’t be farther from his role on the hit television series. Bratton plays Terri’s highly medicated ill-fated uncle, and his transformation throughout the film is surprising for an actor whose day job is filled with the dry humor we have expected from him over the years. Reilly, no stranger to this type of material, is entertaining as usual and adds just the right amount of character to a role that could have come off clichéd and tiresome.

The screenplay by novelist Patrick deWitt is a refreshing mix of comedy and drama, which adds new life to the typical coming-of-age storyline that so many directors struggle to translate into an effective film. Based on an abandoned novel, deWitt captures the perfect slice of life that is missing from most films today.
Jacob’s previous films, while charming and original, are off-kilter, experimental character pieces that have struggled to reach much of an audience outside of the film-festival circuit. “Terri” should be able to grab a far larger crowd, giving Jacobs the exposure he deserves. As with “The GoodTimesKid” and “Momma’s Man, “Jacobs shows that he has a real appreciation for the torn souls in us all and knows how to translate that to the screen. Do yourself a favor and give “Terri” a chance — you won’t be disappointed.

“Terri” opens this month exclusively at Cleveland’s Cedar Lee Theater.


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