The original rebel without a cause gets a superficial biopic treatment that doesn't have much time to explore the appeal of the young legend who died at the age of 24. Dean's (Franco) troubles stem from his unhappy relationship with his distant father (Moriarty) and even his impressive acting talents can't save him from self-destruction. Film focuses on the making of "East of Eden" and Dean's romance with fragile actress Pier Angeli (Cervi). Franco does well in the title role.