Outside Providence
In this coming-of-age comedy, Tim Dunphy is leading a go-nowhere existence, spending his days smoking pot and hanging out with his best friend, Drugs Delaney. But Tim's lazy days of getting high are jettisoned after a brush with the law convinces his blue-collar dad to send him to a Connecticut prep school. The one saving grace of the new school is Jane, a fellow student Tim falls for immediately.
Critics Sentiment
Tim and Jane's relationship deepens as she encourages his education
Jane gets expelled while others escape punishment through deals
The film's biggest sentiment drop occurs when Jane gets expelled after the drug raid, falling from the romantic high to Tim feeling responsible for destroying her future.
Outside Providence follows a fairly predictable coming-of-age arc but succeeds through strong performances, particularly Alec Baldwin's crude but loving father and the sweet romantic chemistry between the leads. The film peaks during the central romance before hitting emotional lows with Jane's expulsion, then recovers somewhat as Tim matures and takes responsibility. While critics found the plot conventional, most appreciated the authentic character work and period details that elevated it above typical teen comedies.
Full cast
Shawn Hatosy
Tim Dunphy
Amy Smart
Jane Weston
Alec Baldwin
Old Man Dunphy
Jon Abrahams
"Drugs" Delaney
Richard Jenkins
Barney
George Wendt
Joey
Robert Turano
Fran
Gabriel Mann
Jack Wheeler
George Martin
Dean Mort
Libby Langdon
Tim's mother
Jonathan Brandis
Mousy
Jack Ferver
Irv
Alex Toma
Billy Fu
David Gere
Student in Closet (uncredited)
John J. Burke
High school student
Kyle Pepi
Little Jackie Dunphy
Ryan Pepi
Little Jackie Dunphy
Stephen Radochia
Gas Station Attendant (uncredited)
Crew
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