Tadpole (2002)
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77% of critics liked it
(106 reviews) -
53% of users liked it
(5,001 ratings)
Most 15-year-old boys are obsessed with the opposite sex, but this may be the only area in which Oscar Grubman (Aaron Stanford) could be called typical. An honor student at an exclusive prep school, Oscar is confident, keenly intelligent, speaks fluent French, and is well versed in the work of a… More Most 15-year-old boys are obsessed with the opposite sex, but this may be the only area in which Oscar Grubman (Aaron Stanford) could be called typical. An honor student at an exclusive prep school, Oscar is confident, keenly intelligent, speaks fluent French, and is well versed in the work of a number of French authors, particularly his favorite, Voltaire. Oscar seems to have gotten his fascination with French culture from his mother, who several years ago divorced his father Stanley (John Ritter), a college professor, and moved to Paris. Stanley has recently remarried, taking an attractive woman in her mid-forties, Eve (Sigourney Weaver), as his new wife. Oscar, however, senses that Eve isn't happy in their marriage; certain he can give Eve the affection (both physical and emotional) that she needs, Oscar begins waging a low-key but ardent campaign to seduce his step-mother over the course of Thanksgiving weekend, despite the fact a number of Oscar's female classmates have made no secret of their attraction to him. Oscar's efforts to bed Eve attract the attention of one of her close friends, Diane (Bebe Neuwirth), a smart and sexy chiropractor who also becomes the not-entirely-unwelcome focus of Oscar's romantic attentions. Shot using digital video equipment, Tadpole was enthusiastically received at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival, where the film's director, Gary Winick, received the Director's Award. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Gary Winick
- Written By
- Heather McGowan, Niels Mueller
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Comedy
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Jul 19, 2002 Wide
- Studio
- Miramax Films
Critic Reviews
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Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
A small, charming indie.
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Duane Byrge, Hollywood Reporter
In every respect, director Gary Winick has served up a delectable, entertaining film.
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Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
The terrific performances of Weaver and Neuwirth notwithstanding, little of this is very amusing. And it doesn't help that the film is visually offensive.
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James Berardinelli, ReelViews
The top-notch cast brings the story to life with aplomb.
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Desson Thomson, Washington Post
One of the smartest, most affecting movies of the year.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
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Cast
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Sigourney Weaver
as Eve
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Aaron Stanford
as Oscar Grubman
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John Ritter
as Stanley Grubman
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Bebe Neuwirth
as Diane
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Robert Iler
as Charlie
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Adam Le Fevre
as Phil
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Peter Appel
as Jimmy
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Alicia Van Couvering
as Daphane Tisch
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Kate Mara
as Miranda Spear
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Hope Chernov
as Samantha
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Debbon Ayer
as Jean
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Ron Rifkin
as Professor Tisch
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Paul Butler
as Professor Sherman
- Adam LeFevre
