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The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (2002)

The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (2002)
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The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys brings Chris Fuhrman's well-received, posthumously published teen novel to the screen. Set in the 1970s, the film concerns two rebellious Catholic schoolboys -- bashful, pensive Francis (Emile Hirsch) and whip-smart, impulsive Tim (Kieran Culkin) -- who spend their free time pulling elaborate pranks and creating a comic book featuring themselves and their friends, Wade (Jake Richardson) and Joey (Tyler Long), as superheroes. Their alter egos are brought to life in animated sequences by Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. Their grim, strict, one-legged teacher, Sister Assumpta (Jodie Foster), is drawn as a motorcycle-riding supervillain. Vincent D'Onofrio plays the more easygoing Father Casey. Egged on by Tim, Francis admits that he has a crush on Margie Flynn (Jena Malone). Tim encourages Francis to pursue Margie, at one point even sending her a mash note and signing his friend's name. Francis and Margie eventually begin seeing each other. But when Margie reveals a terrible, painful secret to Francis, it sets off a chain of events that leads to tragedy. The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys marks the feature debut of director Peter Care. It was screened at several festivals, including the 2002 Sundance Film Festival. The film sparked a small controversy at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival, where it was rejected, allegedly in retaliation for producer Foster's decision to forego heading up the fest's jury in order to replace Nicole Kidman in Panic Room. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi

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Starring:
Kieran Culkin, Jena Malone, (more)
Director(s):
Peter Care
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys

The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys brings Chris Fuhrman's well-received, posthumously published teen novel to the screen. Set in the 1970s, the film concerns two rebellious Catholic schoolboys -- bashful, pensive Francis (Emile Hirsch) and whip-smart, impulsive Tim (Kieran Culkin) -- who spend their free time pulling elaborate pranks and creating a comic book featuring themselves and their friends, Wade (Jake Richardson) and Joey (Tyler Long), as superheroes. Their alter egos are brought to life in animated sequences by Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. Their grim, strict, one-legged teacher, Sister Assumpta (Jodie Foster), is drawn as a motorcycle-riding supervillain. Vincent D'Onofrio plays the more easygoing Father Casey. Egged on by Tim, Francis admits that he has a crush on Margie Flynn (Jena Malone). Tim encourages Francis to pursue Margie, at one point even sending her a mash note and signing his friend's name. Francis and Margie eventually begin seeing each other. But when Margie reveals a terrible, painful secret to Francis, it sets off a chain of events that leads to tragedy. The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys marks the feature debut of director Peter Care. It was screened at several festivals, including the 2002 Sundance Film Festival. The film sparked a small controversy at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival, where it was rejected, allegedly in retaliation for producer Foster's decision to forego heading up the fest's jury in order to replace Nicole Kidman in Panic Room. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
105 mins

Complete Cast of The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys


Director(s):
Peter Care
Writer(s):
Michael Petroni, Jeff Stockwell
Producer(s):
Jay Shapiro, Meg LeFauve, Jodie Foster
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Not For Children, Sexual Situations, Substance Abuse, Watch With Your Teen, Violence, Youth Substance Use, Profanity, Adult Situations)
Categories:
Independent Films
The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys Awards:
  • 2002 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best First Feature
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Santoso W.

    Make no mistake, despite the artsy sequences in the film, the story line's actually pretty heavy to chew on. Even then those artsy sequences have much deeper, meaningful symbolical meaning if you ponder about it. The portrayal of their (main characters') growing up and rites-of-passage is identifiable to many and all characters are well-rounded. I liked especially the part of the ultra-stern, no-nonsense nun-headmistress who, in the end, portrayed outside the boys' perspective, is seen to have a genuine love, compassion and, most importantly, concern for the well being of her kids.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Jose G G.

    I don't know what it is in particular, but this movie has this all-around feel that's awesome. There is ***GREAT*** acting, I mean Kieran Culkin for me is a genious actor, a great role-model for us young people in the world, and Emile Hirsch is also a great actor, in his own way. He's also a great role-model for all of us young people. Well this movie I believe is basically about ****YOUTH****... about living life, taking risks, seeking thrills, doing things instead of just staying as a mere passer-by. The setting probably makes great catharsis, 'cause the entire movie is set in this peaceful southern small town, and the music friends... great guitar music.. sometimes soft and acoustic, sometimes hard and distorted... very good seriously. The plot... well the plot is interesting. They manage to handle pretty well very funny situations, with very chaotic situations. I couldn't but just feel energized by the movie. It shows the uncomparable power of youth. See it god damn it!!!!!!!!!!

    Yes   |   No

     
    Peter V.

    Young catholic teens doing mischief. There is the issue of sexual abuse among young teens leading to promiscuous activity. The impact of keeping the sexual abuse a secret can destroy a person's life.

    Yes   |   No

     
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