There is affection in Linklater's eye, but no comfort in his conclusion. SubUrbia can only advance his reputation as the Eric Rohmer of the strip-malls.

The movie is clearly in the hoary tradition of The Group. But Bogosian's perfect ear for the characters' gripes and gags, and Linklater's feel for rhythm make it close to a Big Chill for the slacker generation.

As Linklater demonstrated on Slacker and Dazed and Confused, his forte is the fluid direction of ensemble casts, and he moves among the eight main characters with a seductive ease and compassion worthy of Rohmer.

An underrated film from Richard Linklater.