Poor White Trash

Watch Poor White Trash

"Crime pays... just not enough"
  • R
  • 2000
  • 1 hr 25 min
  • 4.9  (1,378)
  • 23

Poor White Trash is a 2000 American comedy film that revolves around the life of a low-income family living in a small rural town in the United States. Directed by Michael Addis and written by Brian Sawyer, the movie features a star-studded cast that includes Sean Young, William Devane, and Tony Denman. The film introduces the main character, Michael Bronco (played by Tony Denman), as a high-school student who lives with his alcoholic father, Jerry (played by William Devane), and his trailer-park dwelling mother, Linda (played by Sean Young). Micheal is a good-natured, hard-working, and ambitious student who dreams of attending an Ivy League college and making something of himself. However, his dreams are hampered by his family's dire financial situation, and his father's repeated arrests for drunken behavior.

Despite the challenges, Michael continues to work hard and try to achieve his goals. When he learns about a state scholarship that he might be eligible for, he becomes desperate for the opportunity to change his life. Meanwhile, he also falls in love with the new girl in school, Tonya (played by Danielle Petty), who comes from a wealthy family.

The movie proceeds to showcase a series of hilarious, and often absurd, events that supply its central narrative arc. Michael enlists the help of his girlfriend to help him study for the scholarship exam, and this instigates a jealous reaction from Tonya's wealthy friends, who devise a wicked plan to sabotage his test. The plan works, and Michael is expelled from school.

This unfortunate event does not deter Michael, who embarks on an exciting journey of self-discovery and redemption. He starts working at a gas station, where he meets a group of misfits who accept him for who he is. Michael quickly realizes that he prefers this new-found community to his old high school socialite crowd.

The movie presents a multi-layered exploration of the lives of poor white Americans, with wry observations on the struggles faced by low-income families, especially in smaller towns. It offers a sharp critique of the American education system and the socioeconomic inequality that leave many people trapped in a web of poverty.

The performances by the film's key actors, William Devane, Sean Young, and Tony Denman, are commendable. Devane's portrayal of the drunken father is both poignant and comical, as it highlights the tragic consequences of addiction. Young's depiction of the long-suffering mother is heart-wrenching, exposing the harsh realities of a woman trying to keep her family together in the face of adversity. Meanwhile, Tony Denman delivers an excellent performance as the movie's central protagonist, effortlessly conveying the struggles and hopes of a young man from a poor background.

Overall, Poor White Trash is a witty and engaging movie that offers moments of poignant insight into the lives of marginalized people. It portrays poverty sensitively and without condescension, using humor to highlight the absurdity of the characters' situations. As such, it is a fascinating study into the complexities of life in modern-day America, never failing to entertain and delight its audiences.

Poor White Trash
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Description
  • Release Date
    2000
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 25 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    4.9  (1,378)
  • Metascore
    23