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Manic
User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12

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  1. ChadS.
    Jun 8, 2003
    7
    After you adjust to the butt-ugly visual style of this no-budget production, "Manic" impresses with a bevy of good performances, led by Don Cheadle and the guy from "3rd Rock". For me, the film began when Chad(Michael Bacall) shuts down Sleater-Kinney and cues Rage Against the Machine. What ensues, hillariously recalls "The Breakfast Club". At times, the camera-work does seem needlessly busy We want to see Zooey Deschanel's face entire, not an extreme close-up of her eyes, or a cut-away while she's still speaking. You may wonder why Deschanel wasn't part of the "Girl, Interrupted" gang. She's good(as always), and so is this movie after a very, very, very slow start. "Manic" boasts some truly affecting moments. It has the hug of the year, two hugs, actually, featuring a likable goth on both giving and receiving end. Although the low-budget can be hard on the eyes at times, the characters that populate "Manic" won't dissipate from your mind as you leave the theater. Go see "Manic". Go see the likable goth. … Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. MikeH.
    Feb 1, 2005
    10
    I've been there and thats more or less how it is but in real life the facilitys are a little more secure thatn that.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. JulieW.
    Feb 28, 2005
    9
    An honest, albeit disturbing portrayal of a juvenile mental center. Joseph Gordan-Levitt is brilliant.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. Kingmush
    Sep 26, 2010
    10
    http://mashupmash.blogspot.com/2010/09/manic.html Manic. I was suggested this movie by a friend of mine who loves Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon Levitt. And I'll admit, me too. Loved them in (500) Days of Summer and seeing as how Manic was their first movie together I gave it a shot. Didn't really know what to expect but by the end of it I was blown away. If you're looking for an intense movie about teenage psych ward patients and their stories of violence, rape, and general anger. Watch this. I give it a 5 out of 5 which is pretty rare for me.… Expand
  5. RyanGee
    Sep 28, 2010
    7
    Manic is in my opinion, undoubtedly a great movie. Not only because it possesses my personal favorite Indie stars Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but because the performances executed by the actors are just brilliant. All of the juvenile delinquents are played to an extent of realism that it makes most of the flaws easy to overlook. Joseph Gordon-Levitt portrays a disgruntled teenager to perfection, and is ultimately the highlight of the film. The emotion that is created by the man vs self conflicts is just perplexing. Although the overall plot does not go anywhere, this is a thorough exposure of societal misfit teenagers and their mindsets. Also, the contrast between Don Cheadle's character and the teenagers create an interesting comparison between "normal" and "delinquent." It conveys how even a commendable individual is not too far off from the difficulties faced by looked-down upon teenagers. Overall, I recommend watching this Independent drama.… Expand
  6. jAbMaN
    Mar 1, 2011
    10
    One of the best indie movie I ever seen in my life. Joseph, Zooey and Don are all great actors in this movie. The movie has great directing and the best writing.
  7. Ultraviolence
    Jul 8, 2011
    8
    I had never seen Joseph Gordon-Levitt play this kind of a character before, and he does it perfectly. His perpetually pent anger is like no other. I enjoyed his reluctantly dynamic nature in that the circumstances force him to change into a contradiction of himself. Don Cheadle's performance was also effective in both showing his character's inner conflict, as would be imaginable in someone who has to deal with potentially violent and uncomfortable situations every day. As for the handheld camera style, I think it contributes to the fact that the film shows a very real part of life in that life isn't steady - especially not in a place like this.… Expand
  8. TTW107
    Apr 10, 2012
    6
    I definitely enjoyed seeing Zooey and Joseph in their first movie together. I didn't enjoy the camera work, towards the beginning it was really shaky and it was always too zoomed in on people's faces. Camerawork aside the movie does have some powerful moments but I didn't really come out with a cohesive message.
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
60 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Jami Bernard
    50
    Searching for a documentary feel, the camera here is so shaky that you cling to the arms of your chair lest you pitch into the next row.
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  2. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Lou Lumenick
    63
    Excellent performances redeem Jordan Melamed's gritty teenage version of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."
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  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Mark Caro
    75
    This clear-eyed, low-budget drama is populated by troubled teens whose stories aren’t packaged in neat little bows. Their histories are sad, their feelings raw, their futures uncertain.
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