Mean Creak
Bullying is, sadly, something that happens every day. To every age, to every gender and in every profession. Heck, politicians have been bullying countries since people had the ludicrous belief that they can own a population. But the people who feel bullying the most, are affected by the greatest and sometimes wake with the quaking terror of a day ahead of them is children. Thousands will start tomorrow’s school morning, fearful that a fist will pummel their faces and words will cut into the depth of their skin, their soul and stay like lodging scars. Bullying is, sadly, something that happens every day and it is very wrong.
But what do we teach our children? How do they react? Do we tell them that the bully is suffering and letting out? Or do we teach them to fight back.
Mean Creak is a 2004 movie that staring Josh Peck and Rory Culkin (there are seven of this family by the way.) George is an overweight kid who has been bullying the shy Sam. After a particularly vicious encounter, Sam talks to his older brothers and friends who come up with a scheme to humiliate George and give him a taste of his own medicine. However, they soon back down when they discover that George is acting out because of his own issues and soon grow to like him. But their plan ends in chaos and they all must face the dire consequences of their actions.
For the pubescent thespians, their acting tour de force here is at times, spectacular. Peck as George is one of the masterful and sensitive portrayals of a bully on screen to date. He accurate translates the nerves and tension surrounding his dyslexia and delicately exudes this character who is both angry and lost. Peck, who was only seventeen at the time of shooting, steals a lot of the scenes. Equally, his comrades are stellar especially Marty played by Scott Mechlowicz. Playing a protagonist and antagonist he is often (even more so) misunderstood than George and Mechlowicz really layers him with anguish.
Director and writer Jason Aaron Estes presents interesting themes here. After all, George is not there vehemently and once Sam gets to know him, he realises he is acting out seem cool because he doesn’t fit in anywhere. Though George does showcase embarrassing moments and shows aggression that put the group on edge, you can truly see that he is trying too hard, failing and getting irritated. Lashing out is his default button. Estes theme is that anyone can be a bully, even those who were bullied. With Marty, he presents a character victimised by his family and that pent up rage causes him to lose control alongside Sam’s brother. There is no right path or person here, they suffer from irritation and high passions, George is a catalyst but is still human.
Mean Creak is an excellent drama coming from Estes and did exceedingly well in 2004. It’s a shame that the stars and indeed the creator have fizzled out into nothing. Mean Creak is an excellent afar that has depth, intrigued and an unnerving disposition.