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THE DANGEROUS LIVES OF ALTAR BOYS Send This Review to a Friend
Let's get one thing straight. This isn't about altar boys in danger of being abused by priests. This film, based on the late Chris Fuhrman's novel, is a coming of age story abut rebellious parochial high school lads who thrive on mischief as they learn about life and face the problems they encounter in the midst of what can be lighthearted fun or pranks that turn tragic.
If there is any "abuse" it comes from Sister Assumpta (Jodie Foster), the headmistress and math teacher with a prosthetic leg. Tight-lipped and as rigid as her leg, she attempts to dictate morality and subservient behavior to the restless youngsters. They can give her abuse of their own by plotting ways in which to aggravate her. Francis (Emile Hirsch) has a talent for drawing comic book characters, and he sees the world through his artwork, which includes casting Sister Assumpta as a motorcycle-riding villain. She in turn sees the kind of drawings that she discovers as blasphemous and pornographic. Francis's buddy Tim (Kieran Culkin) shares his comic visions. Father Casey (Vincent D'Onofrio) has more understanding and tolerance than Sister Assumpta, but even he must turn disciplinarian in the face of what the boys get up to.
While much of the film is irreverently funny, there is also tenderness to the story of Margie (Jena Malone) the teenager to whom Francis is attracted. The feeling is mutual and the relationship becomes so cozy that Margie makes the mistake of confiding in Francis about a dark secret in her life.
While playing Sister Assumpta is not a great role for Foster, also one of the film's producers, the part is very different from what she has done and she handles it well, capturing the character's authoritative demeanor perfectly. The script by Jeff Stockwell balances the humor and more sensitive aspects effectively, as does director Peter Care. The most unusual ingredient of the film is the use of animation to illustrate Francis's action fantasies, achieved colorfully by animator Todd McFarlane. His handiwork becomes too much of a good thing, as the gimmick becomes somewhat repetitious. Still, it is an interesting idea worked boldly into the storytelling.
"The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys" is a modest film but honestly warm, funny and revealing as young people learn about life's boundaries, ethical demands and what the consequences of their actions can be. A THINKfilm release.
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