The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (R, 2002)

Set in a small town in the 1970s, THE DANGEROUS LIVES OF ALTAR BOYS centers on Catholic school best friends Tim (Kieran Culkin) and Francis (Emile Hirsch), who go to great lengths both to make life interesting by creating their own comic book series (depicted in the film's animated segments), playing pranks, and talking about sex. The boys must avoid getting in trouble with strict teacher Sister Assumpta (Jodie Foster). Francis' crush on troubled Margie (Jena Malone) leads the story into more serious territory.

This coming-of-age film is much too dark for those actually coming of age, but for mature older teens and adults, it's well worth watching. The film nicely contrasts the dirty minds and knowledge the boys possess with their social awkwardness and hesitancy around girls. The comic-book-like animation sequences are initially distracting, but ultimately enhance the story. Although the nostalgic coming-of-age genre is generally a great one to watch with your family, hold off on this one until your kids are old enough to handle all of the mature themes -- these kids engage in substance abuse and other activities that you don't want them emulating.

Standout performances by the young actors render the characters lovely and believable, although the plot stretches the realm of possibility. Kieran Culkin and Emile Hirsch put in wonderful performances as Tim and Francis, and Jena Malone shines as Margie. Jodie Foster's character suffers from the necessary distance given to all adult characters, but she manages to impart enough humanity to allow the audience to relate to her.