The Wackness 2008

For the talented psychoanalyst Dr. Jeffrey Squires, portrayed by Ben Kingsley, his therapeutic interactions with the high-school marijuana dealer Luke Shapiro, played by Josh Peck, unknowingly provide him with both insights and a steady supply of cannabis. Luke grapples with typical adolescent challenges, including the quest for romance and the stress of his financially struggling parents, who are on the verge of losing their lavish East Side New York residence.

Dr. Squires encourages Luke to embrace his youth, experiment with love, and relish the moments before entering college. In a bid to escape his reality, Luke immerses himself deeper into the drug trade, catering to affluent party-goers to save up for his education. A pivotal moment arises when he encounters Stephanie, the stepdaughter of Dr. Squires, captivatingly portrayed by Olivia Thirlby. Their connection hints at a promising future; however, Dr. Squires is contending with his own relationship woes, feeling the strain with his younger wife, Kristin.

As Luke and Stephanie’s bond strengthens, he seeks advice from Dr. Squires on how to win her over, blissfully unaware that she’s actually his stepdaughter. Embrarking on a journey of self-discovery, Luke inadvertently guides Squires towards reliving the vibrancy of his youth. In an eventful all-night party, both find themselves in police custody for disorderly conduct, a testament to their reckless adventures.

Upon returning home, Luke faces harsh realities as his family is evicted from their apartment, forcing them to relocate to New Jersey. Despite the shifts in their lives, Luke and Stephanie seize the chance to deepen their relationship, while Dr. Squires and Kristin attempt to reconnect and mend their strained marriage. In a poignant turn of events, as turmoil engulfs Luke’s world, he soon becomes the source of comfort for the older Dr. Squires, imparting a bittersweet lesson about life’s unpredictable nature.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the summer of 1994, amidst a city infused with the rhythms of hip hop and the fragrant allure of marijuana, the narrative unfolds as new mayor Rudy Giuliani initiates his crackdown on “fun,” targeting everything from public drunkenness to graffiti, serving as a metaphor for the struggles faced by the characters within this evocative tale.