wes-connors Violently prone 17-year-old Joseph Gordon-Levitt (as Lyle Jensen) is finally sent to a juvenile psych ward. He gets in bloody fights, takes drugs, cuts himself, and even burns his arms with cigarettes. After an opening sedation wears off, Mr. Gordon-Levitt meets long-haired "almost 13" roommate Cody Lightning (as Kenny). Others are introduced at a group therapy session held by kindly staff psychologist Don Cheadle (as David Monroe). Second-billed Michael Bacall (as Chad) is working on anger management and reading "The Myth of Sisyphus". Gordon-Levitt's obvious romantic interest, beautiful Zooey Deschanel (as Tracy), is working on self-esteem. Blond bully Elden Henson (as Mike) and Gothic Sara Rivas (as Sara) have good supporting roles. Director Jordan Melamed might have had an excellent drama if it weren't for the wobbly camera, often used to simulate a low-budget documentary; it's self-conscious, dizzying and distracting.***** Manic (1/27/01) Jordan Melamed ~ Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Bacall, Don Cheadle, Zooey Deschanel

Neil Welch Lyle (Joseph Gordon-Levit) is a teenager with anger issues who, having nearly killed another boy with a baseball bat, is put into a specialist unit, along with a number of other troubled teens, under the guidance of Dave (Don Cheadle).I have to go along with those who say that this film is perfectly cast, and that the performances are powerful and faultless - this is true. And I also have to say that it successfully evokes the documentary feel it is going for (although, personally, I do like the use of a tripod now and then).But I also have to say that there was little in the way of narrative thrust, to the extent that I found it quite boring for a lot of the time. And it was also dispiriting and lacking in hope. I suppose One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest is the obvious comparison in terms of subject matter, and the mildly optimistic ending here (at least I assume that is what it is, because it is far from obvious) does not compare with the flight of freedom which flies out of the nightmare at the end of Cuckoo's Nest.The undoubted talent on show here does not make this a rewarding viewing experience. Having watched it once I have no wish to watch it again, and I do not recommend it.

betterdesigned So a lot people really don't care for this movie. They say the teenagers are whiny and stupid.Well, I think the actors were excellent and realistic and just amazing. I watch this movie probably once a day, if not more than that, and that is because it relaxes me. I feel like I'm in group with them.The teenagers are just as whiny as anyone is. If you are calling someone else something, you most likely have not looked at yourself. I'm sure everyone has had a problem with something, and just because you seem so fine and control over everything, doesn't mean everyone is.I think that is everyone's problem with this movie. But I think it is just wonderful and needs to be watched with an open mind, because this really does happen. Every day.

sneakernet1 I liked the content of the movie. The camera moving around so much was kind of a distraction but otherwise great performances. Zooey is definitely a sweetheart. Also, if anyone knows the listings for the soundtrack can you please let me know. I want the song where at the end of the movie Lyle is sitting at the bus stop and decides not to run and then hes walking back to the institution a song starts to play its all acoustic I believe. (what is it?)Manic was a touching film I liked how the friendships were built. Don Cheadle portrayed a therapist perfectly, hes really a great actor. I can say Manic is on my list of great films that include: Where the Buffalo Roam, Drugstore Cowboy, and Buffalo'66.