Film Review: The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (2002)

Some films may fall into obscurity due to misunderstandings created by their titles, especially when bad timing exacerbates such misconceptions. 2002 period drama The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys is a prime example of this unfortunate circumstance.

Based on the 1991 semi-autobiographical novel by Chris Fuhrman, the film is set in Savvanah, Georgia in 1970s. Protagonist, played by Emile Hirsch, is Francis Doyle, a teenager who attends Catholic private school. He and his three friends – Tim Sullivan (played by Kieran Culkin), Wade Scalisi (played by Jake Richardson) and Joey Anderson (played by Tyler Longs) – hates the school and engage in all kinds of rebellious behaviour, that includes smoking marijuana, listening to rock music, as well as in engaging all kinds of pranks and writing secret satirical comic book. The target of the latter is authoritative Sister Assumpta (played by Jodie Foster). Francis’ relationship with his friends will be affected when he meets Margie Flynn (played by Jena Malone), girl who would tell him terrible secret about herself.

The film faced the unfortunate timing of its release coinciding with the Boston Globe uncovering a major scandal related to the sexual abuse of children by Catholic clergy, an event later depicted in the Oscar-winning film Spotlight. The title alone led many viewers to believe it directly addressed this sensitive subject, causing some to approach the film with anti-Catholic sentiments. This misunderstanding likely contributed to the film's obscurity, despite the notable talent involved.

The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys presents a blend of nostalgic 1970s depiction, coming-of-age drama, and teen comedy, enhanced by animated sequences based on the protagonists' comic book and designed by renowned artist Todd McFarlane. While these sequences add an original touch, they occasionally feel disconnected from the main plot, disrupting the narrative flow. The casting in the film is commendable, with Emile Hirsch delivering a standout performance in one of his early prominent roles. Kieran Culkin and Jena Malone also shine, portraying the complexities of troubled teenagers with authenticity. Jodie Foster, who also served as a producer, takes on the challenging role of a nun, adding depth to the character despite opportunities for further development.

Despite its uncomfortable subject matter and occasional missteps in execution, The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys remains a compelling piece of early 21st-century cinems, a film worth recommending for those interested in exploring unconventional narratives and character dynamics.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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