What Goes Up

In the movie What Goes Up from 2009, Steve Coogan stars as Campbell Babbitt, a journalist who has recently hit rock bottom after losing his job and being publicly disgraced. He decides to take a teaching job in a small New Hampshire town to escape his troubles and hopefully find some inspiration for his writing.

Upon arrival, Campbell is surprised to discover that his students are high school seniors, only a few years younger than him. He quickly learns that this is not your typical high school, as there is a pervasive culture of rebellion among the students. They are all dealing with their own issues, whether it be drug addiction, teenage pregnancy, or just feeling lost and alone.

Campbell is determined to make a difference in the lives of his students, but he quickly realizes that things are more complicated than he initially thought. One student in particular, a troubled girl named Lucy (played by Hilary Duff), catches his attention. He becomes obsessed with her and begins to see her as his muse, setting out to write a story about her that he hopes will be his comeback.

In the meantime, Campbell's co-worker and fellow teacher, Bucky (played by Josh Peck), is struggling with his own demons. Bucky is the only teacher at the school who seems to have any sort of control over the students, but he is also dealing with a dark secret that he has been hiding for years.

As the school year progresses, tensions rise between the students and the faculty. Campbell's obsession with Lucy becomes increasingly dangerous, and Bucky's secret threatens to come to light. When tragedy strikes, the already fragile relationships between the characters are tested to the breaking point.

What Goes Up is a poignant and thought-provoking film about the struggles of adolescence, the complexities of relationships, and the power of redemption. The movie is beautifully shot and has a haunting soundtrack that perfectly complements the melancholy tone of the story.

The performances are uniformly excellent, with Steve Coogan giving a nuanced and heartbreaking portrayal of a man who is too broken to fix himself, let alone anyone else. Hilary Duff shines as Lucy, bringing depth and complexity to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. Olivia Thirlby is also great as the no-nonsense guidance counselor who is desperate to help her students.

At its core, What Goes Up is a movie about hope. Despite the darkness and pain that the characters must endure, there are moments of genuine connection and joy that shine through. By the end of the film, you will be left both sad and uplifted, feeling all the more grateful for the moments of beauty that can sometimes be found amidst the chaos of life.

Overall, What Goes Up is a must-see movie for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, character-driven dramas. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, leaving you with a renewed sense of empathy and understanding for the struggles of those around you.