Durst's first film was last year's "The Longshots" starring Ice cube as a football coach.

Read the last paragraph.

When people say they're influenced by Ashby, odds are 9 in 10 that they're most influenced by "Harold & Maude."

Great article and review, but one slight correction. 'Education' is not Durst's directorial debut - that was actually 'The Comebacks' starring Ice-Cube.

Not 'The Comebacks' - 'The Longshots'

Jason Ritter, not Josh.

Who would have thought the frontman for Limp Bizkit would direct such a heartfelt, emotional, coming-of-age tale? Excellent acting from a fresh, young cast combined with sincere storytelling. A must see.

Read the last paragraph.

I know it's a nitpick, but I'm baffled as to why Zacharek waits until the end of the review to explain why this film is Durst's first directorial outing--knowing that The Longshots was distributed first, and that consequently everyone will tend to assume that that was his first effort.

I sort of half-watched The Longshots because it was screened on a flight I was on a month or two ago. I didn't have my headset on, but visually it was certainly nothing to get exited about, and the plot appeared to unwind in a fairly pedestrian and predictable way. Still, I was surprised to find that Durst had directed a film at all. Not that I ever listened to Limp Bizkit, but Durst the rawk star struck me as more of an opportunistic fame-seeker than a truly creative spirit. Perhaps I sold him short....

BlahBlahBlah Blah-Blah Blah.

Wow...Really?! All geniuses. He must be some kind genius! Maybe he ought to talk to stupid people once in a while and maybe he'd actually learn something...

...albinos. I surely must miss this picture.

Very interesting. My nephew went to a magnet high school with Durst in Jacksonville (Baptist Republican redneck hell hole). According to my nephew, Durst was one of the bullies in high school who mocked and picked on the odd kids, nerds and other "un-cool" misfits (including my nephew). Interesting that he would choose this subject matter given what I'd heard about him -- i.e. typical Jacksonville redneck. People do change, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt but I wonder how much of himself he saw in the Ritter character or is he trying to reinvent himself as the sensitive misunderstood nerd? Maybe that explains his difficulty directing these characters?

He's going to have to be Darren Arronofsky, both Andersons, and Scorsese rolled into one to atone for his crimes against music. Frankly, I can't see that. My argument against his movies will be the same as against his music: take a look and I guarantee there are scores of better bands / directors. Don't sell yourself short.