Kicking and Screaming (2006)

EW PICK

Noah Baumbach's debut Kicking and Screaming is a talky indie that captures Gen-X uncertainty about life after college. The plot is minimal — a group of friends decides to stick around campus after graduation — but the hyper-articulate banter is wry, and the performances carry an impressive emotional heft. EXTRAS A bounty of Criterion goodies, including new conversations with director and cast, where we learn that Eric Stoltz's role was expanded at the last minute, and a goofy 2000 short from Baumbach featuring more circular riffing. A- —Michael Endelman