Tag: Teen

THE RE-EDUCATION OF MOLLY SINGER (2023)

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Directed By: Andy Palmer

Written By: Todd M. Friedman and Kevin Haskin 

Cinematography: Filip Vandewal 

Editor: Tim Rush 

Cast: Britt Robertson, Nico Santos, Ty Simpkins, Cierra Ramirez, Jamie Pressly, Holland Roden, Zach Scheerer, Paul Soter, Emma Holzer, Carlos Alazraqui, Jonathan Lipnicki, Wendie Malick

To save her job, a young lawyer must go undercover, enrolling as a freshman at her old alma mater, in order to resuscitate the well-being of her Boss’ terribly awkward teenage son.

This film does have similarities to the recent Jennifer Lawrence starring movie NO HARD FEELINGS” wow that one was certainly raunchy yet had a certain innocence. This one tries to be dirty but still comes out kind of more teen-friendly.

Have no idea whether this film came first or no hard feelings came first if one copied the other, though both films are very different. This one feels a little more generic. it’s like the no-frills brand. It feels like a carbon copy with no flare. It feels like it should be trying but it’s not and it really needs help. 

While the film does have its risky parts in trying to give a full version of a little bit of the party lifestyle of college. I was a bit shocked, considering who the audience for this film seems to be that it went to certain lengths. it still stays in certain perimeters that feel like it will most audiences. 

This is not a film you really watch for artistic quality it’s more of a feel-good movie that simply gets to the point it’s very predictable, but it entertains fully throughout.

Lead actress Britt Robertson is one of those actresses who always seems to play in these films. She always seems to be the lead and films that are OK, but not good, and usually, She’s one of the best things in them, but then when she’s in more of a studio film, she usually is in a supporting role and she shines. Even as she just can’t seem to find the right material that would truly make her a star that would. At least she’s solid in everything that she appears in.

Just like actor, Nico Torres always seems to play the wildly, gay, best friend, in all of these Netflix-branded films. I mean it works and he has one of the most hilarious scenes in the film. though, I wouldn’t mind seeing him play. A different role shows a bit of range, but get where you fit in.

This film does have or commits to a cliché, While I admire it for being risqué to a certain extent it also has this plot point where the romantic rival for the girl who the nice guy likes and has chemistry with is always a jerk, but the film doesn’t even try to make the jerk nuanced. He’s just bad news from frame one, so you don’t see any of the charms that made the girl fall for him in the first place and maybe only shows the side when he’s not around her or when there is a rival. it would be one thing if the film at least was truthful and maybe she sees attitude-wise why this guy doesn’t work and maybe even personality but she’s just attracted to him and is trying to find something deeper than that to justify her dating and staying.

 This happens all the time in high school in movies and even regular rom-coms when the guy is just attracted to a girl more physically and stays around even though eventually wises up, I just wonder why in these types of movies when the girl is dating a jerk it is always unexplainable other than looks why she stayed with him in the first place.

Even the montage makeover scene does not come off as fun, but kind of lame as it just seems like they just dress him more plaid than before. It also doesn’t help. The only thing that seems to be wrong with the man she’s here to make over is that he’s awkward and shy, but he has boy-good looks and looks way too old to be a college student like most of the cast. 

It is particularly funny in scenes when all the college students remark on the age of the two lead characters, even though they look about the same age themselves none of them college age. 

While most of the film’s material is generic it stays entertaining and the cast truly tries to liven it up. They give it their all you just wish that there was a film to match that energy and skill maybe some stronger jokes too. Even the third act feels so ridiculous.

Grade: C 

BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND (2022)

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Directed By: Trevor Anderson 

Written By: Trevor Anderson and Fish Griwkowsky

Cinematography: Wes Miron

Editor: Justin LaChance

Cast: Vaughn Murrae, Dominic Lippa, Lacey Oake, Shannon Blanchet, Matthew Rankin, Rohan Khane, Jhztyn Contado, Milana Bochiwski, Kaitlyn Haugen, Kristin Johnston

1987: While the other students wonder if new kid Robin is a boy or a girl, Robin forges a complicated bond with the school bully, making increasingly dangerous choices to fit in.

This is a coming-of-age tale involving, what seems to be an ambiguous character. That feels like a film that could have taken place in 1987 as just like the characters it’s awkward and seems a little directionless as far as characters go, but succeeds at building its own world.

The film is open-ended and doesn’t offer many answers, but it leaves you to make up your own mind and figure it out or come up with your own definitions and backstories. 

I give credit more truthful and not having the cookie-cutter kind of happy endings that usually come with this type of film.

The lead character is more of an outcast, because of the questionable sexuality, more than anything, rather than just some random quirk, and that would feel forced. the film feels mysterious, even to itself as it seems to float and its own haze, but presents a clear picture.

Also not the typical one minute and you could be enemies in the next either best of friends, or just plain old getting along 

Especially the contrast, between the main character and the Asian character, kind of discovering an identity of punk, and letting that be the definition to get help him through his alienation and pain, as others make fun of them and him being OK with it.

I also like that kind of delves into the parent’s and adults, life events to show them as characters who might be flawed and have their own problems just as the main character’s father might’ve moved on, but still isn’t ready to necessarily get into a relationship with someone new, and holding it together, is the best he can and then, when he finally does, it might not be the match that he or the audience had hoped for.

it’s a film that seems to keep on building, and by the end, some audience members might not be pleased with where it ends or how it ends but it does feel like a complete story and offers an ending. It’s just that you might want to see what happens after or find out where these characters go after the film has ended.

So not for everyone, there isn’t much I can see that would be offensive or alienating to a general audience.

Which shows to the audience strong, writing, and a strong story, even if led more by emotions than the filmmaking itself.

Grade: B 

TOTALLY KILLER (2023)

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Directed By: Nahnatchka Khan 

Written By: David Matalon, Sasha Perl-Raver and Jen D’Angelo

Story By: David Matalon and Sasha Perl-Raver

Cinematography: Judd Overton

Editor: Jeremy Cohen 

Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Olivia Holt, Lochlyn Munro, Julie Bowen, Randall Park, Charlie Gillespie, Troy L. Johnson, Liana Liberto, Kelcey Mawama, Stephi Chin-Salvo 

When the infamous “Sweet Sixteen Killer” returns 35 years after his first murder spree to claim another victim, 17-year-old Jamie accidentally travels back in time to 1987, determined to stop the killer before he can start.

A movie that one can easily see why there is a comparison with the film FINAL GIRLS. Both involve trying to save mothers from a killer having a serial killer who seems unstoppable and being sent into a different period of world.

Though Totally Killer has its own identity and a mystery more at its heart as well as back to the future time travel element.

This movie really makes no sense but it also doesn’t try too hard to. It’s silly and funny as well as fun. This by the end comes across as a guilty pleasure. It is a horror film but feels more like a comedic send-up of slasher films as well as time travel films with some graphic violence.

It’s simplistic but half the humor Is having a character with modern sensibilities dealing with the less politically correct attitude of the past. As well as the movie is a bit tongue-in-cheek and has a sense of humor about itself. Though staying on the ball when it comes to the story and plot. As well as characters.

Kiernan Shipka is good in the lead role being equally dramatic and comedic when need be. It’s also nice to see a film that is more diverse when it comes to casting and not making it a big deal or obvious. 

Director Nahnatchka Chan’s second movie after the surprise hit ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE also brings along that film’s star and co-screenwriter Randall Park to play a small, pivotal supporting role in the film. 

This plays more like a teen comedy and is a film you have to experience to get the most out of it. Talking or reading about it doesn’t do it full justice. It has the right campy attitude with enough rebelliousness and inside jokes from the culture of that era and movies.

In the end, it is a mystery that has you guessing. Though when all is revealed it doesn’t feel like it matters as much as it should. 

Grade: B- 

HONOR SOCIETY (2022)

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Directed by: Oran Zegman
Written By: David A. Goodman
Cinematography: Topher Osborn
Editor: Anita Brandt Burgoyne

Cast: Angourie Rice, Gaten Matarazzo, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Armani Jackson, Amy Keum, Ben Jackson Walker, Kelcey Mawema, Avery Konrad, Kerry Butler

Honor is an ambitious high school senior whose sole focus is getting into Harvard, assuming she can first score the coveted recommendation from her guidance counselor, Mr. Calvin. Willing to do whatever it takes, Honor concocts a Machiavellian-like plan to take down her top three student competitors, until things take a turn when she unexpectedly falls for her biggest competition, Michael.

This is an old-school and clever teen comedy that is surprisingly Enjoyable. As it has respect for the audience and the characters.

There are no major villains and the film Ends up being quite charming. As the characters are.

As it sets up its story for us and the main character to end up one way and then offers a change of pace that totally Redirects everything and ends up teaching a valuable lesson.

It is a bit of John Hughes where all the characters start out one way and slowly reveal their true selves and end up nowhere they expected.

They all live in a dream suburb that some dream Of leaving. Since they are young they seek excitement and different experiences and to know others from different walks of life.

The film isn’t exploitative if anything it’s Downright respectful For the most part even in the seductive scenes. They are even able to handle it. An LGBTQ storyline is very modern, funny, and never disrespectful. In fact, The only disturbing character is the guidance counselor. 

Once again young actress Angourie Rice excels In her role. Above the material especially as the film revolves around her character. Breaking the fourth wall and talking to the audience and being our narrator.

In the end, the movie Is a sly feel-good experience that is never heavy and offers a Few surprises but leaves you with a smile on your face. Thought could have had a stronger ending.

GRADE: B

MARGAUX (2022)

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Directed By: Steven C. Miller 
Written By: Chris Bayrooty, Chris Siverston and Nick Waters
Cinematography: Neil Cervin 
Editor: Greg MacLennan

Cast: Madison Pettis, Vanessa Morgan, Jedidiah Goodacre, Phoebe Miu, Jordan Buhat, Richard Harmon, Susan Bennett, Lochlyn Munro 

A group of college friends rents a smart house for a weekend of partying. Later, they start to realize that Margaux, the house’s super-advanced AI system, has sinister designs for them.

This feels like in the old days a horror film that almost feels like a quickie. It seems easily thrown together and then find photogenic good looking people that are usually teen stars or on a popular teen show at the time and cast them.

As here the cast is quite good looking and most of the female characters are never nude but half-dressed through the second half of the film in clothing that offers ample cleavage since it is mostly filmed in one location it comes across that most of the budget was spent on special effects.

It also feels like what I call a level one or introductory horror film for those scared or nervous when watching horror films. As it has a light touch there are only two truly gory scenes throughout that would disturb a younger audience. Though plenty of things that would keep this a little out of reach for a younger audience.

Though the ultimate plan seems to make no sense. 

The one character they build up to be the one you might really want to see perish. Try to make them likable so much so that she. She goes it is really out of nowhere and the easiest death, but knowing her character is a crowd pleaser they manage to bring her back for bigger and better.

The movie does offer a diverse cast and most Fit into a recognizable stereotype. While the film offers some Dark humor and hilarious one-liners. As actress Vanessa Morgan in her performance and character is by far the scene stealer. 

It does offer a heartbreaker of an ending 

Grade: D

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