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Tadpole | Year: 2002 Classification: Comedy Directed: - Gary Winick Actors/Actresses: - Sigourney Weaver - Aaron Stanford He loved well, but not wisely 3 1/2 Stars "Tadpole" is a very gentle story of unrequited love; but in this scenario we have a stepson Oscar Grubman (Aaron Stanford) longing for the mind, body and soul of his stepmother Eve (Sigourney Weaver). Gary Winick has directed this film with one eye on "The Graduate" and the other on "Oedipus Rex": a pretty potent combination.<BR>Oscar Grubman is fifteen, infatuated with the writings of Voltaire and in love with life and learning as well as his stepmom. He has come home to NYC from boarding school for Thanksgiving and through a series of circumstances, mostly having to do with his consumption of large quantities of whiskey, ends up in bed with his stepmom's friend, Diane (Bebe Neuwirth). A large portion of this very short film is spent on Oscar attempting to keep Diane from telling Eve about the fling.<BR>"Tadpole" made a big splash at Sundance last year and I think it was because it is so likeable as a film and in Aaron Stanford's performance as Oscar. "You can count on me" made a similar impact at Sundance a couple of years ago. So much of what is seen at Sundance is so downbeat and depressing that both of these life-affirming films must have seemed like a breath of fresh air to the judges.<BR>With all that said, "Tadpole" is indeed a nice way to spend an hour or so: nothing major, nothing earth-shaking...just a quiet, smart, well acted film about the heart and where it can sometimes take us. Entertaining "coming of age" story. Good acting performances distinguish "Tadpole," a small independent movie about a fifteen-year-old boy with big aspirations. Aaron Stanford plays overprivileged prep-school sophomore Oscar Grubman, who fancies himself a super-sophisticate with high standards. Girls his own age do not interest him. Oscar speaks fluent French, courtesy of his birth mother, he reads Voltaire and other philosophers, and he has a huge crush on his stepmother, played by Sigourney Weaver. Oscar is home (a posh apartment on Manhattan's East Side) for Thanksgiving, and he is determined to reveal his feelings of love for Eve, his stepmother. Oscar's father, Stanley, played by John Ritter, is a Columbia University history professor who is overly preoccupied with his work, and he is completely oblivious to Oscar's feelings for Eve. Before you can say "Mrs. Robinson," Eve's best friend, played by the sultry Bebe Neuwirth, seduces Oscar. Much confusion and several complications ensue before the weekend is over. "Tadpole" makes for a pleasant and humorous diversion, but it breaks no new cinematic ground. It is worth seeing, however, for the excellent performances by a talented cast. A surprisingly good romantic comedy This enjoyable comedy (shot on digital video) with a refreshingly brief running time (approx 75 minutes) won Writer/Director Gary Winick the Best Director award at the Sundance Festival.<BR>Aaron Stanford plays Oscar Grubman (nicknamed Tadpole), a 15 year old who has no interest in girls his own age. By his own admission he feels like a 40 year old trapped in a teen's body. Tadpole's preference for older women reaches the point of chaos when he develop a crush on his stunning stepmother Eve (Sigourney Weaver).<BR>But his attentions are also focused on the equalling sexy Diane (Bebe Neuwirth) whom he meets during an under-aged drinking session in a local bar. An affair soon starts between them and Oscar must try and keep the romance secret from his Dad (the late John Ritter) while wrestling with his feelings for Eve.<BR>Basically TADPOLE is a romantic comedy that merges the classic romantic triangle with a dash of the classic Oedipus syndrome. The resulting movie is an enjoyable time-killer that manages to be both light in tone but with more complexity below the surface than you would expect. While it sounds like some sex comedy you've seen a million times before TADPOLE manages to consistently surprise the viewer without insulting their intelligence (obviously this is an independent movie). <BR>This is one of those rare movies that will appeal to just about any audience. Guys are especially advised to rent this if their girlfriends want them to watch something with them. The brief running time you may be able to talk her into watching an action movie after this has finished! While not hugely memorable, the movie has heart, sincerity and intelligence (Uh-oh! Here comes my feminine side!) as well as all round good performances. The DVD I watched had no special features, but the movie is still worth a look. If you're a romantic comedy buff you'll easily give this movie a higher rating than the three stars I've given it. Which leads us to THE BIG QUESTION: Why is Oscar nicknamed "Tadpole"? Do the math: One 15 year old boy with raging hormones plus two sexy older women. Put that together and close your eyes. What do you see? I see the opening credits to LOOK WHO'S TALKING....<BR>Perhaps I'd be wise to stop my review here. Maybe this IS meant to be a movie to watch with the missus! If that's the case insert this into your DVD player, pop some popcorn, pop some Viagra and Bob's your uncle. Viola! There's your night planned! Buy Tadpole at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  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