Rushmore

Four stars. Recommended.

Black but ultimately sweet comedy about intelligent and talented high school student Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) who nonetheless fares appallingly poorly in his academic subjects at the exclusive Rushmore Academy. When he sets his mind on winning the heart of teacher Rosemary Cross, his obsessive devotion to her leads him into conflict with his friends, and threatens to destroy the extraordinary reputation he has built for himself.

It's a clever and subtle film that delights in misdirecting the audience's sympathies. Max is much more than the stereotypical high school dork, and the film isn't afraid to show him indulging in the nasty and sometimes creepy side of infatuation. All the while, though, it remains funny, with absurd humour cropping up in the strangest of places. Very worthwhile.