Tag: Teen

SLASH/BACK

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Directed by: Nyla Innuksuk
Written By: Nyla Innuksuk & Ryan Cavan 
Cinematography: Guy Godfree
Editor: Simone Smith 

Cast: Tasiana Shirley, Nalajoss Ellsworth, Chelsea Proske, Shaun Benson, Kristian Bruun, Alexis Wolfe, Rory Anawak, Frankie Vincent Wolfe, Jackie Maniapik 

When Maika and her ragtag friends discover an alien invasion in their tiny arctic hamlet, it’s up to them to save the day. Utilizing their makeshift weapons and horror movie knowledge, the aliens realize you don’t mess with girls from Pang.

This science fiction adventure film is more of a film for young teens. That has hints of horror yet never goes fully in that direction. It feels like the movie THE THING mixed with ATTACK THE BLOCK only nowhere near as violent or nihilistic as either. 

Other than some violence the film barely has too much that would be objectionable. As most of all, it offers younger girls of color representation on the big screen in positive and relatable ways. 

This is good for Its audience as adults will most likely find it cuter than anything. As there is nothing really revelatory or scary. It’s cuter throughout though at times a bit grizzly for young kids.

Though with the children being in constant peril. You do worry for their safety and dates a bunch of times and hope the film won’t go that far. 

You might feel like you are waiting for something bigger to Happen or more to the story, but it stays clean-cut. As there is peril though not too much violence or gore. It has good practical effects for the most part 

This film makes a good starting science fiction horror movie on certain terms. That it is engaging with its energy. Definitely, a fun movie that never overstays It’s Welcome. All of the horrors happen during the day which is rare in a horror film. 

It almost feels like a movie made by impressive teenagers for kids. 

Grade: C

DO REVENGE (2022)

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Directed By: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson 
Written By: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and Celeste Ballard 
Cinematography: Brian Burgoyne
Editor: Lori Bell and David S. Clark 

Cast: Camilla Mendes, Maya Hawke, Austin Abrams, Alisha Boe, Talia Ryder, Rish Shah, Ava Capri, Paris Berelc, Sophie Turner, Sarah Michelle Gellar 

Drea and Eleanor agree to go after one another’s bullies.

Sometimes you get pulled into a film. That was certainly the case with this film. I thought would be the typical teen comedy they have offered in the past, but was willing to give it a chance because of the Cast.

Happily, the results are surprising. The film actually Offers some uncertain aspects and keeps the audience interested. As it offers a cynical view with plenty of energy but also plenty of great one-liners. Yet it is vulnerable and emotional when needed. It’sAlso surprisingly an R-Rated Film. That deals with sec and drugs a Little More believably as it isn’t EUPHORIA, but it isn’t Disney either 

The film is a bit familiar as it takes some of the best moments and qualities of teen movies of the past that you may remember but also makes it juicy

As with most Netflix productions, It feels like it could have been broadened a bit. Instead of feeling so insular and location bound. 

The lessons the characters learn seem obvious but at least are doled out in a harsher way. As usual, the parents or any adults with actual power seem either nonexistent or very much in the background or mentioned her never shown.

Noticeably Inspired by other films and while predicting what it does get general surprises it’s nice to have a rated R teen comedy once in a while though how that works Is something that a Family has to worry about

The cast is all aces though at first their characters all Seem like types. Eventually, the film Humanizes them a bit more. Just as thankfully the cast is diverse, Could use a little more splash of color but beggars can’t Be choosers 

Nice to see Sarah Michelle Gellar in this film. Only wish she had more to do. As she is a spectacular actress and this fits into her younger star past. 

Austin Abrams is perfect as an entitled questionable big man on campus who is ultimately a cad. 

While Maya Hawke is wonderful. Camilla Mendes takes the cake and eats it too. This film should Make her a star. As she has the talent and looks. She’s good in comedy, fashionable vulnerability, Good, Evil, and drama. Hopefully, this leads to bigger and better roles. 

The film is not only better than expected. its better than it deserves and could easily be a new teen favorite for the audience. 

Grade: B

HOLLYWOOD STARGIRL (2022)

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Directed By: Julia Hart
Written By: Julia Hart & Jordan Horowitz 
Based On Characters from the novel STAR GIRL By: Jerry Spinelli 
Cinematography: Bryce Fortner 
Editor: Shayer Bhansali & Tracey Wadmore-Smith 

Cast: Grace VanderWall, Elijah Richardson, Judy Greer, Uma Thurman, Judd Hirsch, Tyrel Jackson Williams, Chris Williams, Al Madrigal, Nija Okoro, Sarayu Blue 

Stargirl Caraway as she journeys out of Mica into a bigger world of music, dreams and possibility.

while better made than the first film. As it seems to have a larger scope. it also seems to have lost a little of its heart. This one might be a bit better because you know what to expect throughout. 

As it tries to keep a positive and romantic tone. It still is paced morosely.

As even though it’s a kid’s film it feels like doom or the rig will get pulled under at any minute.

This one also benefits from a more well-known cast of supporting actors. Who gets more time to actually have their presence felt. Instead of the last film which focused primarily on the main couple. 

Star girl still seems to be a beacon of optimism And the guys she falls for seem to be the same type. Here she is not quite as mysterious. Not offering a surprising knowledge of music and classic hits. Though there are plenty of singing scenes.

Not quite a musical in the classic sense but more songs were performed without any choreography or dancing. The difference between seeing a performer and a show.

This film is also a romance but maybe as in the last film they spent more time on the romance and her doing the chasing while staying mysterious. This time around we get to know more about her and the romance just seems to happen. It’s sweet but doesn’t feel like it has as much depth this time around.

It pretty much goes through the numbers and is a sweet film. None of it is really believable but keeps your interest. Especially when it is more made to please its audience of Disney viewers 

Though everything feels rushed its pace is like molasses.

Grade: C

UNHUMAN (2022)

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Directed By: Marcus Dunstan 
Written By: Marcus Dunstan & Patrick Melton
Cinematography: Lyn Moncrief 
Editor: Andrew Wesman

Cast: Brianne Tju, Benjamin Wadsworth, Drew Schneid, Uriah Sulton, Ali Gallo, Peter Giles, Joshua Mikel, Lo Graham, C.J. Leblanc 

A group of high school students whose school bus crashes on a field trip. Relationships are tested once they realize they are being stalked by an attacker who intends to drive them out and straight into a horrifying fight to survive.

This might have been better off as an MTV original movie rather than an epic original release. Maybe even a television series to stretch it out and back itself up when it comes to plausibility. As it would explain thoroughly who the audience is more aimed at and would make more sense with the direction and twists.

As it tries to do something different or new with its premise in the zombie genre. Which works for it and against it depending on certain audience members. As it tries to do something original, that one can admire and probably helped it get made, but ultimately doesn’t exactly work.

Though the film can be quite entertaining. It remains that way only If you take it for what it offers and don’t try to think too hard. Then it is perfect popcorn entertainment with a twist. That you might be able to see coming. 

As the camera angles and shots are distracting as they are more used in music videos and make the film come off more as jittery. This is why it feels more like an MTV-style production. Other than most of the cast being teenage characters as the adults are taken out quickly 

As it goes for a THE BREAKFAST CLUB explanation of showing that the characters are more than Initially thought and are more well-rounded. While we see them break out of their so-called roles. 

Though ultimately the hero is the one who seems to have no identity through all of this seems to create one. Even though we are never quite sure she is the way she is. Though she does give us a hero who can be physical but is more defined by her quick thinking and ultimate smarts.

Luckily the movie isn’t as exploitive as it could be. It sticks To the genre rules and even has a  final girl of sorts. Though it is heavily edited like it has its own problems when it comes to attention spans and feels rather aggressive. 

This film reminds me of DETENTION directed by Joseph Kahn. Though that film is stronger visually and in theme. This feels like a more lighthearted and cleaner version.

GRADE: C

MY BEST FRIEND’S EXORCISM (2022)

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Directed By: Damon Thomas
Written By: Jenna Lamia
Based On The Novel By: Grady Hendrix
Cinematography: Rob Givens 
Editor: Brad Turner 

Cast: Elsie Fisher, Amiah Miller, Rachel Ogechi Kanu, Cathy Ang, Christopher Lowell,  Clayton Royal Johnson, Cameron Bass

Teen best friends Abby and Gretchen grapple with an otherworldly demon that takes up residence in Gretchen’s body.

First off let me say that I have read the book and I am a fan of it. 

Next, let me say that this film is pretty faithful to the material. It is also quite different. As the movie plays drier and less spirited than the book.

It’s like the film followed the recipe but seemed to skip some ingredients. I don’t know if this was on purpose or because of the budget. A nice attempt that never quite cuts to the heart. 

As while it does count as a horror film. It also feels more to stay in the safe realm of Pg-13 because it wants to appeal to a younger female audience. As it feels a bit disconnected from other audience members.

The cast is fairly unknown for the most part which works. As it leaves everyone open to being a victim or being taken out and not safe because of their stardom.

Through the film. Betrays them by making most of the characters so stereotypical or one-sided that again we never really get to know or feel anything for them except for the two leads. Even in some dramatic moments for the supporting characters it never reaches the level of emotion it could because you barely know them. 

It’s nice to see a film with a cast so diverse and Christopher Lowell as one of the lemon brothers is energetic and hilarious. Even though he is not in the film nearly enough. He is truly what helps keep the film afloat. As he is the only one here who seems to provide those qualities which the film heavily lacks most of the time. Making it come off as more workman-like and less caring.

It might also be that until Christopher Lowell’s character shows up the movie has no sense of humor. It seems set at playing it straight. Which kind of sucks the air out of the room instead of keeping your interests fully. As it comes off as bland as sugarless gum. Sure a hint of flavor, but for the most part you are just chewing your own backwash.

Elsie Fisher is the lead and makes for a truly memorable heroine as she does most of the heavy lifting throughout.

The film also shows the screenplay principle of constantly introducing something as minor and it coming back to be a major point or detail later in the movie. 

It’s not a horrible movie but a movie that needed maybe a draft or two more before the endeavor was taken into production. As there are the bones of a good movie here.

Can give it credit as trying to be for a certain audience and not ever going for exploitation and trying to stick strictly to its story. Even if it feels a little more cut and dry for it. 

For a film about possession. The film seems to lack a spirit of Its own. Yes, I read the original book which had plenty of it. It stays faithful in following the recipe but seems to be missing many vital ingredients

Grade: C

NOT ANOTHER TEEN MOVIE (2001)

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Directed By: Joel Gallen 
Written By: Michael G. Bender, Adam Jay Epstein, Andrew Jacobson, Phil Beauman & Buddy Johnson 
Cinematography: Reynaldo Villalobos 
Editor: Steven Welch 

Cast: Chris Evans, Chyler Leigh, Jaime Pressly, Eric Christian Olsen, Mia Kirshner, Samm Levine, Ron Lester, Joanna Garcia, Sam Hunnington, Randy Quaid, Lacey Chabert, Eric Jungmann, Cody McMains, Nectar Rose, Samaire Armstrong, Beverly Polcyn, Ed Lauter, Paul Gleason, Mr. T, Molly Ringwald, Cerina Vincent

A sendup of all the teen movies that have accumulated in the past two decades. After breaking up with his girlfriend, Priscilla, a popular jock, Jake Wyler makes a bet with his friends that he can’t make ‘ugly girl’ Janey Briggs into prom queen. After spending more and more time with Janey, Jake really starts to think whether he wants to keep the bet on or not.

The first thing you’ll notice about this movie is that it looks ugly. The sets, the film everything looks washed out but still dirty, heaped, and grungy. One remembers how heavily this was advertised primarily by MTV at the time

The scenes never look Natural or even nice looking. The actors look like they have either bad hair dye jobs or bad wigs. The actors are all obviously too old to play teenage characters though that is part of the spoofing.

While this film has Its moments and makes a point here and there nailing its targets it still needs a major overhaul. A lot of jokes seem repetitive and are not clever, they are nasty. Just to be nasty. The film is not as smart as it likes to think it is.

The film feels like a rushed product. Like it is speeding along not aware of its Many flaws. As it seems fast and loose and doesn’t pay any respect or seem to have more than a general understanding of the films it is parodying.

The cast is likable but this film will only serve you with a few chuckles, but hardly a laugh. Even as a spoof this film needed to be better thought out. Like THE SIMPSONS or the NAKED GUN series of films. Which could be lowbrow and funny but still had a lot of well-thought-out and set-up jokes.

One of the good things in this movie is a lockable cast. Especially actress Chyler Leigh as the female lead. She is the only thing that shines bright in the pit of despair of this film. Also the abundant nudity of actress Cerina Vincent as the foreign exchange student. Which is like a work of art itself. On the opposite spectrum, it is sad to see Randy Quaid in this film. As he is a better actor than the material and he gives a bad performance. Then again he doesn’t have that much to work with.

Just like the characters, it highlights the film seems a bit too juvenile as it is obsessed with sex and nudity. Of course, the characters are but it feels like that is the main interest of the film Also. Which leaves it for only a certain kind of audience

When it comes to spoofing. Too many go for the easy jokes that they are supposed to be about, but a truly strung spoof will somehow raise above what they are spoofing to be a strong comedy in their own right and that seems to be a rarity. This is why when it comes to films such as these they never rise above a certain level

I can give the film credit that it hits all of its marks, but unfortunately not in a very clever way and all the cruder. At least not as bad as it seemed like a lot of spoof movies at the time that just tried to be year-end send-ups of whatever was popular or trending, this was better as it was more focused but barely. That seems to have needed a team of comedy writers to make skits and sketches and form into a story 

Grade: D+

CRUSH (2022)

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 Directed By: Sammi Cohen 
Written By: Kristen King & Casey Beckham 
Editor: Melissa Remebalich-Aperlo

Cast: Rowan Blanchard, Auli’i Cravalho, Isabella Ferreira, Tyler Alvarez, Teala Dunn, Rico Paris, Aasif Mandvi, Michelle Buteau, Megan Mullally, Addie Weyrich

An aspiring artist and high school student who is forced, against her will, to join her high school track team. However, the situation isn’t entirely bad, as it gives her an opportunity to pursue a girl that she has had a long-term crush on. However, things get even more complicated when she finds that she is falling for another teammate entirely. Soon she will see what real love feels like.

This is the most agreeable teen film I have ever seen. As it seems most of the characters have open sexualities. Though this movie is definitely centered around the teen LGBTQ community or at least the characters. Most of the characters are teenagers and the few adults seem more quirky and horns than anything. So they never come Off as imposing and definitely not in control. 

Especially Megan Mullally who is the main character, an enthusiastic oversexed sex-positive mom. Who seems similar to Emma Stone’s parents in EASY A. 

Nice to see Rowan Blanchard back on the big screen and in a leading role no less. She is not as out there as she was in the show GIRL MEETS WORLD, but here has a more solid character to play. Who you root for throughout the film. 

It is a wonder why the main character is so shy when it seems like every character is supportive throughout the film. This school seems to have no bullying or even a social class system. As everybody hangs with everyone and the worst thing that can happen is not being LGBTQ but into a renaissance.

Even the straight kids seem to be the minority. Speaking of which it is noticeable that this film is diverse. As most of the cast is made up of different races and it is never brought up. So that it feels like a breath of fresh air 

The film is predictable as a girl meets a girl tale and while trying to go after her crush realizes she is more compatible with someone. She never expected and luckily the crush isn’t some kind of evil or vapid character, just not who she wants when she wants her. 

The film moves fast and is so good-hearted and cute it is hard to be mad at it. It keeps you fully entertained while you wait for the inevitable and makes you care when it hits the familiar beats. Where you want everything to work out for everyone. 

Even the characters who seem or come off as stereotypes prove to have some depth and character.

While this film matches the good-hearted romantic comedy teen movies that have become a growing genre on streaming. This film is one of the rare ones where it feels like this could have been released in theaters and found a loyal audience. It’s not as strong or dramatic as some of the others and not as believable but it does entertain and offer characters to either identify with or wish you had in your life.  

Grade: B-

SUMMER OF 85 (2020)

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Written & Directed By: Francois Ozon

Based on the book “Dance On My Grave” By Aidan Chambers

Cinematography: Hichame Alouie

Editor: Laurie Gardette

Cast: Felix Lefebvre, Benjamin Voisin, Philippine Velge, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Melvil Poupaud, Isabelle Nanty 

When 16-year-old Alexis is caught up in the deceitful Normandy sea, David heroically saves him from drowning. And, this is how Alexis meets the person of his life. But, how long will this tumultuous, dreamy relationship last? Will the dream last for more than one summer, the summer of 85?

The film doesn’t go where you expect it to go. What keeps you guessing and mystified when it comes to his film is how it plays with time throughout and leaves you expecting the worse when things are mostly innocent 

It feels a bit similar to CALL BE BY YOUR NAME. As it is a coming-of-age love story between two males of intense feelings and obsession, but yet always feels a bit more of a thriller than a true romance. Though then again young love can be innocent and messy.

Even though nonchalant It’s not even truly coming out film. As it is all relatively handled with no big revelations. Though shows itself as a love story and not one of lust or dangerous obsession 

The film runs on expectations. So that as it goes along. You constantly feel a sense of dread. Always looking for clues, hints, or motives. 

All seems to go well until a girl is thrown into the mix. Even when she had the best of interests. Proving to be loyal to all.

The main characters are the rebellious carefree type versus an introverted romantic. At first, he believes it is all in his head and just an innocent friendship. Then he realizes he is being seduced. Even though the more aggressive character might be bisexual or a sensationalist, narcissistic and not prepared for his feelings. Especially being so young, not ready for the intensity.

By the end, you find instead of a thriller you have gone through a dark drama. That also feels like a string after-school special or a coming-of-age film that has thriller elements. 

Grade: B-

THRASHIN’ (1986)

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Directed By: David Winters
Written By: Paul Brown & Alan Sacks
Cinematography: Chuck Colwell
Editor: Lorenzo DeStefano & Nicholas Smith Production Designer: Catherine Hardwicke

Cast: Josh Brolin, Robert Rusler, Pamela Gidley, Josh Richman, Sherilyn Fenn, Chuck McCann, David Wagner, Tony Hawk, Tony Alva, Brooke McCarter Jr, Brett Marx, Mark Munski

Two skateboarding gangs battle each other for supremacy, and a member of one gang falls in love with the sister of his rival.

Now I have to give a curve to this skateboarding movie. As it is nostalgic fun that I probably would have enjoyed if I had watched it when I was younger and when it had initially come out, but watching it now. 

It is funnier in unintentional ways other than just the styles of yesteryear. Though the film does raise some questions and gives way to many observations like… 

Why do the corporate sponsors and owners of skate and Nike companies in these 80s movies come across as pedophiles? As they are way too old and way too giddy to be around young people. 

The daggers are way too obvious in their sabotage. Especially laughing while their victim is getting stitched up. Right in his face. Is this a machismo thing? Or just I dare you to say something? 

Also, why is it a gang when it involves minorities but a crew or group of friends when all caucasian? In this movie and beyond. Nice to see Robert Rusler as the suave skateboard villain leader of the daggers. Even if his casting makes you wonder exactly how old these characters are supposed to be. 

It always amazes me to see Josh Brolin in early roles as until MOD SQUAD the movie I really didn’t start recognizing him from movies like THE GOONIES, but you know you’re in another era of movies. When the integrated skate park gang are the villains. 

The film has the usual teenage romance in between the skateboard drama as well as lame jokes. Though I am not a prude it is shocking how fast Josh Brolin and Pamela Gidley’s character hook up on their first date practically but I guess when it’s true love you just know. 

This is more a film for teen girls to watch and fall in love with probable hunky poster boys at the time, but strangely also a film that bypasses that audience making the film more advertised for teenage boys, who might be into the fad of the time skateboarding. Leaving a definite unintentional homoerotic charge throughout the film and in the scenes. As even the villain of the film seems more into his look and glamour above all else

The highlight of the film is the joust skate off and just how trusting and willing a female character is to hitchhike her way to California with random truckers, but hey this movie is presented all in good fun and in supposedly simpler times. 

And the RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS are in this movie performing!!!! Some added cool points for the film. Though you will find them in quite a few films. It also makes it feel more like a teen movie by having a noted band in the film and their performance being a centerpiece almost.

If looking for a totally tubular nostalgic blast from the past check out this film. Even though for all of its ridiculous juvenile fun. I just couldn’t get on the same wavelength. 

Grade: D+

STEP SISTERS (2018)

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Directed By: Charles Stone III 
Written By: Chuck Hayward 
Cinematography By: Christopher Baffa 
Editor: Matt Friedman 

Cast: Megalyn Eichikunwoke, Lyndon Smith, Gage Golightly, Eden Sher, Marque Richardson, Alessandra Torresani, Naturi Naughton, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Matt McGorry, Robert Curtis Brown


Jamilah has her whole life figured out. She’s the president of her sorority, captain of their champion step dance crew, is student liaison to the college dean, and her next move is on to Harvard Law School. She’s got it all, right? But when the hard-partying white girls from Sigma Beta Beta embarrass the school, Jamilah is ordered to come to the rescue. Her mission is to not only teach the rhythmically-challenged girls how to step dance, but to win the Steptacular, the most competitive of dance competitions. With the SBBs reputations and charter on the line, and Jamilah’s dream of attending Harvard in jeopardy, these outcast screw-ups and their unlikely teacher stumble through one hilarious misstep after another. Cultures clash, romance blossoms, and sisterhood prevails as everyone steps out of their comfort zones.

This is a cute film that tries to say something. About diversity and races coming together. Now of course you know what this type of film you are going to get so if Looking for something more deep or artistic you know you aren’t going to find it here.

If you are looking for something light, fun, and mildly Funny this is the film for you. In a lot of ways, it reminds me of BRING IT ON for its light yet biting attitude.

It feels a bit like a combination of films like bring it on and the dance movie series like STEP UP only less focused on romance and more focused on stepping.

I enjoyed the film making the black sorority characters threatening but not villains and open-minded.

You won’t believe any of the endings this Film goes for feel good and promotes equality, but the actions of the characters just feel false but again this is the type of film where you just have to accept it as it isn’t Shakespeare.

The film is written by Chuck Hayward who is a successful tv-writer he writes for DEAR WHITE PEOPLE and I recognize plenty of cast members from that show sprinkled throughout as well as actors who worked on his previous projects.

Everyone seems perfectly cast as this has the fun of DEAR WHITE PEOPLE but not the impact or heaviness when it comes to the story.

I am happy to see actress Megalyn Eichikunwoke finally getting a lead role after seeing her play good supporting performances in movies like DAMSELS IN DISTRESS. Here she shines and shows she has star quality.

The race material is fun and is kept in the foreground for moments and ongoing plots but as the film goes along it melts away and just shows people are people and characters have many different shades and levels.

One point I did like was her having an overly sensitive liberal Caucasian boyfriend who goes over the low. In his liberal beliefs gives an attitude that blacks always need help or a handout. His heart is in the right place but he can’t see how he is minorly insulting.

It’s also interesting in the beginning the character is seen as more down with her race she is in an interracial relationship and when she finally opens herself to others and other races she is interested in an African American character for dating.

This is a film that makes the action happen fast, as to not bore the audience. it gets raunchy but PG-13 raunchy. So it is perfect for teens and good for an afternoon movie to have fun with and put you In a good mood probably forgetting it soon after. Quality enough though. It’s a film that might be more fun on the big screen but it is a Netflix release. Made for that type of home audience. As studios rarely put money in low to mid-budget projects anymore especially with teen comedies. Where it is more of a minor gamble.

Though there seems to be a drought of films such as these that seem built in to have crossover appeal. It would seek more natural theatrical release as it does provide the familiarity of material and broad stereotypes that it seeks to disprove and have fun with. Meant to open the minds of the characters and maybe even some audience members.

Grade: C+