Big Time Adolescence

Big Time Adolescence is a 2019 comedy-drama written and directed by Jason Orley. The movie stars Griffin Gluck as Monroe, a smart but underachieving high schooler who looks up to his older sister's ex-boyfriend, a charismatic college dropout named Zeke (played by Pete Davidson). The rest of the cast includes Larry John Meyers as Monroe's father, Michael Devine as his best friend Murph, and Emily Arlook as the love interest Kate.

The movie takes place in a small town in upstate New York and centers around Monroe's relationship with Zeke. Zeke is a party-loving slacker who still hangs out with his high school buddies and has a laissez-faire attitude towards life. Despite being a bad influence, Zeke is a role model to Monroe, who sees him as a cool and edgy mentor.

Monroe and Zeke's relationship is at the heart of the movie, as they engage in various shenanigans together that test their bond. Zeke introduces Monroe to drugs and alcohol, takes him to wild parties, and gives him advice on girls. Monroe, in turn, idolizes Zeke and follows his lead, even as he questions some of his actions. Their friendship is both hilarious and poignant, as they navigate the complicated terrain between adolescence and adulthood.

But Zeke's influence on Monroe is not always positive, and the movie explores the consequences of his carefree lifestyle. Monroe starts to neglect his schoolwork and relationships with his family and friends, and his father and sister worry about his well-being. Meanwhile, Zeke's own life is not as glamorous as it appears, and he has his own deep-seated issues to confront.

Big Time Adolescence is a coming-of-age story that deals with themes of friendship, loyalty, and growing up. The movie balances humor with drama, creating a realistic portrayal of teenage life in a small town. The performances are excellent, with Gluck and Davidson displaying great chemistry and depth in their roles. Meyers and Arlook also deliver strong supporting performances, adding dimension to the story.

One of the strengths of the movie is its honest portrayal of the consequences of partying and drug use. The movie does not glorify these activities but shows how they can negatively affect the lives of the characters. It also examines the nature of influence and how peer pressure can shape a person's choices.

Overall, Big Time Adolescence is a funny and heartfelt movie that manages to capture the complexities of adolescence. It is a coming-of-age story that will resonate with anyone who has ever looked up to a role model and struggled to navigate the challenges of growing up. The movie's mix of humor and drama makes for an engaging and entertaining watch that is well worth checking out.