Rush to Rushmore

reviewed Fri, 05 Feb 1999 23:21:26 EST

No, this movie doesn't have anything to do with the desecration of sacred ground that is Mount Rushmore, but on that topic, I have to note that there's some guy leading a drive to put Ronald Reagan on Mt. Rushmore, even though he's been told that the blasting from the construction would CAUSE GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FACE TO FALL OFF. Hmmm, father of our country or actor who once starred in a movie with a chimp? Revolutionary War hero or man who believes trees cause pollution? You make the call.

Okay. Sorry. Here's the review.

I was so excited to see Rushmore after hearing legions of critics whose opinions I respect call it one of the best films of the year that I broke two of my cardinal Rules of Movie-Going: I went on opening day, and I went on a Friday night (exception: if I'm on a date... but how often does that happen?). And it wasn't playing at any Metro-accessible theaters, so I had to take a bus. I TOOK A BUS, PEOPLE!!! (I hate busses.) That's how much I wanted to see this movie.

And I wasn't disappointed. I'm not going to give away any of the plot, because this is such an original, loopy film that you should see it knowing as little about it as possible. It's really kind of indescribable anyway -- off-center, off-beat, and unlike anything you've seen. It's hysterically funny, yet also kind of touching.

Terrific performances -- Jason Schwartzmann (BTW, a member of the Coppola clan; he's Talia Shire's son and Nicolas Cage's cousin) is great as Max Fischer, the lead -- he's not afraid to make himself fairly repulsive, and he effects the character's transformation very subtly and naturally. Bill Murray is fantastic as Max's mentor -- for once, he underplays instead of going over the top, and he's better than I ever imagined he could be. Nice supporting perfomances from the kids at Rushmore (Max's school), including Mason "Dennis the Menace" Gamble as Max's lackey, Dirk.

Definitely go see this movie. And let me know what you think of it -- I'm interested to see how others receive it.

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