"I'm sorry, Brandon, I don't mean to be a cunt.
- Brandon and Dawn
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This little hidden underrated gem is one of the funniest, freshest, and most original films I have ever seen. The kind of film that would never be made today, not even in the indie film circuit. The story follows middle-schooler Dawn Wiener (no, seriously) and the unfortunate events that trip her up. What's so interesting about the film is that there is no real happy ending, and that nothing good ever happens to Dawn. The film is very realistic, and completely un-Hollywood where films like this usually end with a happy ending that makes sentiment almost unbearable.
The script is downright hilarious, but the real treasures come from the film's two central performances given by Heather Matarazzo and Brendan Sexton III. Matarazzo gives a genuinely funny and delightful performance as a young girl with determination that never goes anywhere. She never strains herself, never overplays any moment, and always keeps that geeky awkwardness intact. Sexton's performance is poignant, compelling, intense and unique. He makes threats of rape to get attention, he smokes, he's misunderstood, he steals, but he's not your average "bad boy". Sexton infuses his scenes as someone who no one sees as a human being, someone who has never felt love or affection, and it is this that makes his scenes with Matarazzo so engaging. The two soon begin a secret love affair where two outsiders are now inside each others hearts. We want this unlikely couple to be together forever, no matter how odd the circumstances may be. Then when Brandon runs off to New York we are put in the same position as Dawn; sad that the two will not be together anymore, and wondering if their paths my cross again.If you're looking for something new and sick of the old, tired, redunant shit out there today check out
"Welcome To The Dollhouse"
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