Booksmart 2019
This movie got very good reviews when it came out, but it took a while for me to finally watch (got a Screen Pass). While there are some strong elements, unfortunately the movie feels like a Judd Apatow movie. The characters are completely unrealistic plus they bring in some big names who completely overplay every second of their parts, substituting outrageousness for actual comedy. It isn’t terrible by any means as we follow two graduating high school girls who have always put school work above their social lives, but decide to be irresponsible and party on their last day of school. It feels a lot like Superbad but with female leads on a journey to the big party. I can see how some people would really like it, think the outsized performances and stereotypes were hilarious, etc., but it was just okay for me. Eventually, maybe in the last third of the movie, people start acting more like actual people and the movie improves. I’m not sure I buy these high school characters who are generally very nice, very rich, and very smart. The movie doesn’t necessarily take the easiest path and it does finish well, so it is still worth watching, but be warned it is very raunchy with lots of gender fluidity.
Written: 31 Mar 2021