FACETS CINÉMATHÈQUE
November - December 2012
The Facets Cinémathèque is located at 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. in Chicago. For more information on films playing in the Cinémathèque, please call 773-281-4114. To order advance tickets online, visit the TicketWeb website by clicking here.
Chicago Premiere
FAT KID RULES THE WORLD
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WINNER
Audience Award: Narrative Spotlight SXSW |
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"Affecting performances and effective storytelling are the hallmarks of
Fat Kid Rules the World"
-Variety

½ "This film creeps up on you... a powerful filmmaking debut for Matthew Lillard"
-Film Threat
"A brilliant and touching film"
-WBEZ

½ "It's smart and observant, and when its laughs come, they're of the dark humor variety"
-Roger Ebert
"The filmmakers realize [the story] with sensitivity and knowing detail"
-Chicago Reader
Actor-turned-director Matthew Lillard successfully translates K.L. Going's eponymous novel into a hilarious and deeply touching examination of two societal outcasts who have all but given up on the world. Troy, an overweight teen, lives in his fantasies and decides to end it all by stepping in front of a bus. Marcus, a semi-homeless, drug-addicted, punk rock genius and high school dropout saves Troy at the last moment and begins using him for occasional money to buy food or drugs. When Marcus eventually invites the musically challenged Troy to join his new punk rock band, he discovers that banging on the drums unleashes a confidence that forever alters his reality.
As the nerdy, introverted Troy, Jacob Wysocki (
Terri) continues to display a remarkable seriocomic range, humanizing a teen who is always looking for an escape from every social interaction. Matt O' Leary's performance as Marcus is no less complex, as he crafts a sympathetic character that wavers between friendship and mean-spirited derision. Lillard confidently demonstrates that his acting achievements are not his only talent, as his direction elevates
Fat Kid Rules the World into the epic experience that high school feels like when you are living it, as well as a dynamic combination of punk rock, friendship, betrayal, and unlikely triumph.
Directed by Matthew Lillard, U.S.A., 2012, 98 mins.
Official site
Scorecard Review: Director interview
AV Club: Director interview
Variety
Film Threat
Village Voice
WBEZ
Roger Ebert
Chicago Reader
Showtimes:
Fri., Nov. 30 at 7 & 9 pm
Sat., Dec. 1 at 1, 3, 5, 7 & 9 pm
Sun., Dec. 2 at 3, 5 & 7 pm
Mon.-Thurs., Dec. 3-6 at 7 & 9 pm
Tickets: