The mother was a harried mess and whiny (what Teri Garr always plays), the boyfriend was a bum and an abusive SOB, and the boys were typical preteens/teens. None of the characters were that likable. Of course this was also set in New Jersey, not exactly the friendliest state.
Also, I think in the "real world" (as what was pointed out in this movie), Sam would retaliate sooner or later.
The boys don't have to be likeable to be more sympathetic than the boyfriend, though.
"Your mother puts license plates in your underwear? How do you sit?!"
I could root for the main character easily. He's old and smart enough to see right through the BS coming from his mother and her new squeeze, cares about his younger brother and is trying to square him away, has the balls to call out a cocky teacher who has never accomplished a thing in the private sector.
shareWell said. I actually felt that way about several of my teachers --bullies in a school environment and protected (the school) because that is what they were in school/college. Yet, they wouldn't survive in the real world for more than ten minutes. Yep, lightweights.
shareI saw this when it came out and I wanted to like it but it comes off as contrived and mediocre.
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