Location: Chicago, IL
"Scout's Honor"
Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris
Written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski
Produced by Bob Yari, Marc Turtletaub, and David T. Friendly
Music by Mychael Danna
Main Cast
Tony Shalhoub (Martin Richards)
Virginia Madsen (Alice Richards)
Jordan Fry (Max Goodrich)
Hunter Parrish (Adam Goodrich)
Ned Beaty (Howard Russells)
William H. Macy (Joel Goodrich)
Anna Paquin (Mary)
Tagline: "There’s no merit badge for achievement in insanity"
Synopsis: Martin Richards (Shalhoub) is very proud to have been a member of the Boy Scouts ever since he was six years old. He has continued this practice to this day by being a scout master with a local troop. The one he heads also features his stepson, Max (Fry). However, Max does not share Martin’s enthusiasm. In fact, he and his brother (Parrish) have never really approved of him since he married their mother (Madsen) over a year ago after she divorced their father (Macy). Still, Martin tries to get his stepsons involved in something, which can be difficult. Max is arrogant and smart with Martin, but Martin only disregards this and puts on an even bigger smile when he tries to teach Max how to earn certain merit badges. Adam is a whole other story, being an attendee of a sex addict rehab center, he still can’t give up his addiction when he meets a fellow sex addict (Paquin) there. Finally, the day comes when Max is about to participate in the ceremony to receive his “arrow of light”, which signifies the passing from the young “Cub Scouts” to actual Boy Scouts, and is led by the very top troop leader (Beaty). At the ceremony, however, Max is declared ineligible to receive it because he failed to get one of the merit badges. He throws a huge tantrum (even punching out Howard Russells) and the whole family is forced to leave. Their tension is present all the way home, until they are at the dinner table when they can eventually laugh about the whole thing.
What the Press would say:
Directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris score even higher points with another gem of a comedy. Much like their Oscar-winning “Little Miss Sunshine”, Dayton and Faris address the dysfunctional family theme with the right balance of hysterical humor and enlightening insights to these people’s lives. They have once again created another comedy that reminds us that greatness can still be found in one. With a film like this, the whole acting ensemble is usually the success, but that isn’t to say there aren’t some standouts. Tony Shalhoub once again shows his comedic talents, which we already have constant reminders of with his television show. Shalhoub creates a character whose overly optimistic smile and excessive happy attitude just brings out the laughter, as well as some annoyance, to his character. Virginia Madsen is also a great player in the film, playing very well opposite Shalhoub and having some very funny family exchanges with him. The two children, Hunter Parrish and Jordan Fry, also provide great roles. Fry’s Max is a mean little somebody, and his annoyed and dirty looks comically contrast with Shalhoub’s wide grin. Parrish, mainly known from his “Weeds” fame, does a great job as the oldest son. His character is a bit rebellious, but it is even funnier watching him explain his condition to people and trying to control his urges even when Mary tries to encourage his “spirits.” Once again, there are standouts, but most of these actors do a great job at just supporting each other. The screenplay by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski is also hysterically hilarious and also touches on some sweet notes in the film as well. The campaign consideration
Best Picture
Best Director: Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris
Best Actor: Tony Shalhoub
Best Actress: Virginia Madsen
Best Supporting Actor: Jordan Fry
Best Supporting Actor: Hunter Parrish
Best Original Screenplay: Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski
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