A Project Greenlight winner, which probably says mouthfuls.
Comment
08/21/03
The Battle of Shaker Heights (2003)
44
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:55
Fresh:24
Rotten:31
Average Rating:5.2/10
Consensus: LaBeouf is appealing, but The Battle of Shaker Heights feels too watered down and disjointed.
Runtime: 79 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: With a team of strong actors, a hilarious script by Erica Beeney, and an evocative soundtrack, directing duo Efram Potelle and Kyle Rankin have hit the nail on the head with THE BATTLE OF SHAKER... [More]
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Kathleen Quinlan, Amy Smart, William Sadler
Director: Efram Potelle, Kyle Rankin
Reviews for The Battle of Shaker Heights
The characters talk like smart, unpredictable people, and Kelly Ernswiler is one of a kind.
08/26/03
If there is a delicate story of forgiveness, friendship and family buried somewhere in Erica Beeney's script, Potelle and Rankin haven't managed to find it under the throes of empty rebellion and painless triumph.
08/30/03
Without any of the dramatic transitions, we're left with a pileup of scenes, none of them very funny, and a thin, linear plot.
08/28/03
It probably seemed like a good idea at the time.
09/03/03
It's a very minor Catcher in the Rye, featuring clever but overcooked dialogue, two-dimensional supporting roles, and a disarming generosity toward its characters.
08/29/03
The movie was not great, but not Ishtar.
09/05/03
The half an idea in Erica Beeney's script is reduced by another half through the disjointed directing of Efram Potelle and Kyle Rankin.
08/22/03
There's a whole lot of nothing going on
08/26/03
An above-average teen film with a witty screenplay and undeniable charm.
06/20/05
LaBeouf somehow manages to turn Kelly's self-centered behavior and irritating character quirks into a sympathetic lead, and the well-written script by newcomer Erica Beeney brings a lot of humor to some very touching moments.
08/21/03
For most of its length it coasts by with above-average charm and a solid grasp of messy adolescent emotions.
10/16/03
The story is original, the direction looks professional, and Shia LaBeouf really comes through - this is definitely his movie.
08/29/03
Cinematic mush.
10/03/03
You get the sense of too much input, too many bright ideas, too many scenes that don't belong in the same movie.
08/29/03
Top CriticDownright enjoyable.
08/31/03
Even so flawed, it is remarkably engaging.
10/17/03
The filmmakers ended up with a teen flick of Tinkertoy sensitivity in which the assorted story arcs ... are all setup and no follow-through.
08/27/03
The film is well-acted and looks good, but it's so inconsequential and bland that you wonder what was it about the script that made anyone think it would make an interesting movie.
10/03/03
A movie as awkward and embarrassing as when you're 13 and your grandma sends you a birthday card with a clown on it.
10/17/03
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