Growing Op (2008): Dir: Miohael Melski / Cast: Stephen Yaffee, Rachel Blanchard, Wallace Langham, Rosanna Arquette, Denis Theriault: Amusing comedy about growing marijuana and the reality of somebody entering the public school system. Stephen Yaffee plays a teenager whose parents grow marijuana. He and his sister are home tutored until he decides to enroll into a public school. Hilarious setup is very detailed but the ending is questionable depending on one's view of marijuana. Directed by Miohael Melski with a great set that is totally a marijuana lover's wet dream. Hilarious performances by all headed by Yaffee whose childhood was somewhat secluded and all about as his parents constantly moved when their secret was threatened. Yaffee is joined by Rachel Blanchard as that mysterious girl next door. Wallace Langham and Rosanna Arquette steal scenes as the parents. Langham is at his best when hosting Blanchard's parents in what becomes the funniest moment in the film. Arquette is the brains of home schooling. Together they present the ultimate self sacrifice but unfortunately that opens doors to a questionable moral dilemma. Denis Theriault plays one of Yaffee's pot head pals. With an interesting concept and creative screenplay it presents a strong theme that deals with where you came from and where you aim to be. Score: 8 / 10

For me, being an Aspiring-Writer someday, this movie has become One of the few of my "Personal measuring sticks for comparison" to hold towards Films I decide to watch in the future. Growing Op is a great coming-of-age Dramatic Comedy, and definitely a "Must-See" for Film-buffs like myself. It is about a Teenage Boy Quinn (Yaffee), who is born and bred from a very Unconventional-Family who run a Marijuana Grow-Op. Home-schooled and Isolated from Society, Quinn decides to venture out and experience what it feels like to be "Normal."I thought this film has great substance (Provocative Topic for one thing). Followed a decent linear, story structure; funny "laugh-out- loud" scenes to a few memorable-dramatic ones throughout; and the Cast did an excellent job with their Characters. The Cinematography was very Bland and Ordinary, which fit the overall style and tone of the film perfectly, to me at least. The end was very "Un-American and very Canadian" at the same-time, which was very amusing and entertaining for me!What I really loved about this film, was that it made me question a few things about myself as a person. But, It really did re-affirm some of my personal beliefs as well, and made me feel "Proud" afterwards about being a "Mis-fit," and that a person doesn't really have to be a conformist to make their way in this world. You'll find that even being "Normal" does have its flaws and seem odd, as you'll figure out along with Quinn. This film does pretty well at exploring the Human Condition and Society as a whole in the back-drops of High School and sub-urban lifestyle.Its quite a Rarity and Gem seeing a Decent Canadian Film. Sadly, the only thing I regret while watching this film was that I wasn't able to enjoy it with a Joint! *wink*

Okay so I am a sucker for coming of age stories but seriously. The whole point of growing up is to learn and grow. I would understand if the main character is either growing into a wiser human being or even a flat out stupid human being by just not caring. How is that during this coming of age story surrounding the importance of family is justified by further endangering your family. This makes no sense and makes what could have been a story of life lesson learned of anti conformist and the beauty of herb into just flat out stupidity. I would mind if the theme was bases on idiocracy but instead has a theme and musical background of how happy things can turn out if you continue to put yourself and even more importantly your family in danger. Seriously! You had me the first few hours but then just made me wonder what immature pot head thought this was a good ending. Ah it had such potential to move a human spirit and make them laugh. If I could retract all positivity I had throughout the movie I would.

I am shocked to read so many positive reviews on here for this absolutely terribly written film, I can only surmise that some of the cast and crew felt the need to try to bolster what is a very poor piece of Canadian cinema.The problem lies solely in the script which feels like a first draft. A decent premise that very quickly goes nowhere. Around the one hour mark I was left wondering what possible events could sustain the film for another 40 minutes. As it turns out, the answer lies in a complete plot twist that actually may have worked had the movie been about something to begin with.The relationship between the two leads would make a nice subplot, but it's not enough to carry a film that has little else going for it.Decent performances and a competent level of production value are the only things saving this film by being terrible overall, but that only further serves to showcase the problem with a film being based on such terrible source material. All the ingredients were there to make a good film, but it just never even scratches the surface of it's potential for comedy or story.