When Sam (Rory Culkin) is beat up by the class bully, George (Josh Peck), Sam's older brother Rocky (Trevor Morgan) and his friends decide to enact some revenge. Their plan: to invite George to a boating trip for Sam's 'birthday', strip him naked, and leave him to walk home on his own.
Sam is not very keen on the plan, but he goes along, and he, Rocky, George, Rocky's friends Clyde (Ryan Kelley) and Marty (Scott Mechlowicz,) and Sam's crush, Milly (Carly Schroeder) set out to a local creek. On the way, we learn that George is dyslexic and loves to videotape things in his life.
Milly, who wasn't part of the plan, doesn't want to follow through, and Sam takes Rocky aside and tells him he's decided not to pull the prank. Rocky, in turn, tells Clyde, who refuses. "He's a spoiled punk who beat up your brother," he says. So they get into the boat and continue their trip, unaware of the disaster that is to follow. This disturbing movie is effective, despite a somewhat inevitable sequence of events. Although George is kind of obnoxious, he is not a bad person, and what happens to him is sad. "Mean Creek" is borderline manipulative, shoving George's emotions in your face, especially in the final sequence, but is worth your time, especially if you like psychological thrillers .
The movie is hoisted considerably by the talent of the young actors, and characterizations are also very good. Like The Living and the Dead, I wouldn't recommend it for someone who is looking for a fun Saturday-night flick. (Rated R)
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