Tag: Teen

WEAPONS (2007)

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Written & Directed By: Adam Bhala Lough Cinematography: Manuel Alberto Claro Editor: Jay Rabinowitz 

Cast: Nick Cannon, Paul Dano, Mark Webber, Riley Smith, John Campo, Regine Nahu, Brandon Mychel Smith. Arliss Howard, Aris Mendoza,  Amy Ferguson, Serena Reeder, Jade Yorker 

Weapons present a series of brutal, seemingly random youth-related killings over the course of a weekend in a typical small town in America, and tragically reveals how they are all interrelated.

The film’s structure is Tight and how it begins with a shocking and graphic scene. Then the rest of the film explores how we got to that event by following different characters’ experiences or their own points of view. Leading up to one event where it is handed off to a character who was more in the background of the last character P.O.V.

I don’t like the film but I can’t Lie. It has you as an audience member thinking about it a lot for a few days after. But I can’t say if I didn’t like it because it’s a gruesome story that I felt didn’t need to be told and had no real desire to ever see again or did one just not like the film. 

In its own way. The film tries to have a message of what is going down on the streets with teenagers at the time. it makes no real decisions. It doesn’t condemn nor does it celebrate these kid’s behavior, but tries to show it in simple terms. No gloss, no glory but it still feels wrong.

It’s like wanna-be kids but with more violence and a lot less sex. It just ends up being very disturbing.

It bothers you the way the characters really don’t care about anything or have no fear of the future. Where their actions might lead. The only time we get a glimpse is when Nick Cannon’s character has second thoughts about a decision he has been dead set to do. Then another person takes the decision out of his hands and does it for him. 

You truly feel sorry for most of the characters. Except two by the end. The kids seem so narcissistic. They are impervious to dangerous and shocking things that lie before them.

Plus the director attempts a gritty realism. Which he gets but some scenes could be easily cut down. I’m all for realism but they go on long. Where the characters do absolutely nothing and don’t add to the film overall or characters unless they are supposed to be as bored as the audience.

One question that was left with where are all the parents The whole time? That bothers you and no answers are offered.

What worked against the film was seeing established actors mixed in with the novices. You could tell the difference. It seems real but when you see nick cannon or someone else familiar. It instantly takes you out and reminds you that it’s a movie. No matter how good and believable he is, which is shocking.

This is definitely not a movie teenagers should see, but maybe parents should at least scare them To pay more attention to their kids.

So this worst-case scenario doesn’t happen to them. As this film keeps leaning towards the artistic

This film feels like it goes overboard to be shocking and provocative. It ends up coming out more exploitive. that’s educating the audience and trying to confirm the worst fears of the viewers 

GRADE: C- 

ASSASSINATION OF A HIGH SCHOOL PRESIDENT (2008)

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Directed by: Brett Simon  Written By: Kevin Jakubowski & Tim Calpin  Cinematography: M. David Mullen  Editor: William Anderson & Thomas J. Nordberg

Cast: Mischa Barton, Reece Daniel Thompson, Bruce Willis, Michael Rapaport, Kathryn Morris, Melonie Diaz, Zoe Kravitz, Josh Pais, Luke Grimes, Joe Perrino, Aaron Himelstein, John Magaro, Robin Lord Taylor, Vincent Piazza, Adam Pally, Emily Meade, Quinn Shephard

At a Catholic high school, a sophomore newspaper reporter investigates a case of stolen SAT exams. He thinks he’s nailed the suspect and managed to get the popular girl when he realizes a larger conspiracy is afoot.

While the film has its own quirky charm. It also tries too hard to be stylish and set itself apart. Calling attention to itself but by doing that it also allows us to notice its flaws

As the film tries to be a cross of a political conspiracy thriller mixed with a film noir film all set in high school. Which is cynical and surprisingly dark. It tries so hard to be an accessible version of brick yet keeping it high school-related that it dilutes itself and comes off seeming like it is trying too hard rather than just existing.

From the beginning, we know Mischa Barton’s character is the femme fatale but she gives an ice queenish Performance that while enticing you never know what drives all these guys so crazy over her. As she plays the role so stiff. Her face barely moves even when she is taking or trying to emote or seduce. Though the film does try to more exploit her looks and body to be an irresistible bombshell

Bruce Willis adds star power to the film. Even though his role is a major one. He is barely in it and the writing of his character isn’t that great or strong that you would understand why he would choose to take a small supporting role in this film.

Feels like it tries too hard to be a tawdry BRICK rip-off. Only with a bigger name cast.

Making a kind of teen film-noir conspiracy thriller movie. That stays more within its own Confines but still has the danger and sex all around. Though none of the hard-boiled language

Grade: D+

I LOVE YOU, BETH COOPER (2009)

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Directed By: Chris Columbus 
Written By: Larry Doyle (Based Upon his novel)
Cinematography: Phil Abraham
Editor: Peter Honess

Cast: Hayden Panettiere, Paul Rust, Jack Carpenter, Lauren London, Lauren Storm, Shawn Roberts, Jared Kesso, Brendan Penny, Alan Ruck, Pat Finn, Andrea Savage, Samm Levine 

A nerdy valedictorian proclaims his love for Beth Cooper–the hottest, most popular girl in school–during his graduation speech. That very night, she shows up at his door offering to show him the best night of his life.

I really loved the book this film is based on as it truly felt like a zany romantic comedy. While Playing in the expectations of a 1980’s style teen comedy. Yet had heart and twisted those expectations for the better. Still remaining identifiable and had just the right amount of Comedy, love, sex, and romance with a downbeat yet realistic ending.

I believe I feel so sharply and savagely about the film that it is my favorite coming-of-age romantic comedy and comes from a long line of films about getting to know your dream girl cinema. Where usually she never measures up to your expectations and the cute girl who was your friend is truly the one you were looking for or she Falls in love with you and you end up happily ever after. But this story also reminds us we have been there. When a crush is so overpowering that you fall For the idea of someone and not the actual person. 

Maybe I am taking the failure of quality when it comes to this film a little personally. Considering how much of a fan I was of the book. This was the film that made me really become worried when a book adaptation was made of a book I enjoyed. Even when it seemed like it was in capable hands. 

This coming from a man who read THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES novel adaptation before the movie, because the movie kept being sold out in its first week of release. While I eventually Loved the movie the adaptation for me was so much better and rich 

Not only was this film a big disappointment compared to the book. It would be even if you haven’t read the book. 

What was worse is how far it felt like Chris Columbus had fallen either not getting the material or being that far removed from it that he tried so hard with something he doesn’t seem to understand by making it far too general. What might have once been special feels generic. Maybe he was burned out from the HARRY POTTER films he helped produce and decided to Ames this project too quickly as the return to directing or was playing by 1980’s MTV teen movie rules in a more modern age and no one updated him about cultural and stylish change.

Is that this movie was made by writer/director Chris Columbus who is talented and is behind many teen and children’s movies before such as directing some and producing the Harry Potter series of films. Here he seems to have lost his touch or showing his age. As he would seem Like a Perfect choice for the material especially after returning to directing after a brief absence. Here he seems out of place.

Not to mention though the cast is likable they most ultimately feel miscast and instead of playing characters. Play more character types or fill in’s who never get to have a real personality.

The film is a mess as lead Paul Rust who fits the nerdy look but is so obviously too old to play the role. Which makes him look more like a child molester than a romantic leading man. 

The casting of Hayden Panettiere as the female lead is understandable. As she was a hot commodity at the time on a hit show. So this was her stab at being a big-screen movie star. She is good as the lead. As she is plucky yet she is supposed to be so memorable and her character isn’t. Especially not for the lead to go through all this trouble. As they live in a small town and while she is cute. Never see the World Class beauty she supposedly has. She comes across more as temptation or a more Willing femme fatale. 

Her friends in the film don’t exactly help. Casting Lauren London who could have played the lead more convincingly. As she has more a

World-class beauty and here is relegated to second fiddle with little to do or add to the story. Along with Lauren Storm, who is Just thick, and his best friend who gets the fantasy sex scene to become A Reality. Though comes off lame. 

Just like the casting of Hayden Panettiere the film tries too hard to fit in and be all things to all people and instead makes itself unhip and show that this is an older crowd either trying to influence youth or trying to fit in. 

The story is about expectations versus reality. The movie comes off more like a zany comedy where nothing feels honest or direct. It has a harsh ending where reality sets in. In the book, it feels more cruel yet just fine. Making home realize he has to put away childish things on the path to adulthood.

In the film, she seems just dropped and feels like an ending of hope while also getting a version of what he wants. Though lacking a kissing scene as if they did. It might look like a promotion of pedophilia. 

One aspect that is truly surprising other than the casting. Whereas every character doesn’t Look like a model so it does feel and look more like regular small-town folks. 

The film looks washed out. Like they are trying to make the Midwest surroundings dull. So you can see why some can’t wait to escape this town and for some, it’s a forever 

The worst crime the film makes is that it took a book of some merit and made it look generic. The lowly inspired teen film made by people too old and trying too hard to be down. Who ends up faking the funk.

Not all Of this falls on Columbus’ shoulders as the novel’s writer did own the screenplay also. If this was made today it feels like it would have been a limited series. 

Grade: F

DOWN TO YOU (2000)

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Written & Directed by: Kris Issacson 
Cinematography: Robert D. Yeoman
Editor: Stephen A. Rooter

Cast: Freddie Prinze Jr., Julia Stiles, Selma Blair, Rosario Dawson, Shawn Hatosy, Zak Orth, Ashton Kutcher, Henry Winkler, Lucie Arnaz, Lauren German, Lola Glaudini, Adam Carolla, Jimmy Kimmel 

A young man wins and loses the first serious love of his life. Al Connelly falls in love with the girl of his dreams. After the summer she breaks up with him. As he tries to recover Al goes to desperate measures.

This was after Miramax studios had a hit with the movie SHE’S ALL THAT and seemingly green-lit a bunch of teen aimed romantic comedies. Usually starring their golden boy at the time Freddie Prinze Jr.

This feels like a budgeted student film for a studio release. Everything looks cheap and garish. As it feels amateurish in direction and story.

The film is a simple romance story about a relationship and distractions as well as temptations and the influence of friends who rotate around them.

Selma Blair plays a temptress and Freddie Prinze Jr’s crush but the film Never makes her look that attractive or tempting. Maybe because they make her more television teen movie friendly, a woman of the world supposedly who comes off like the movie and it’s character pretentious but have nothing to even back any of that up with. 

Rosario Dawson seems to be cast only to add some diversity, for Julia Stiles’ character to have one constant friend of her own. Even Dawson is barely used except to add stoner humor to the film. Why the only minority character for that? 

You have seen this type of film a thousand times, much better. This adds nothing new or original to the formula.

The worst is that the film believes itself witty. When it is clearly not. As obviously this film again is made more for teens than the older ones? Just going by subject matter. Though plays more for a younger audience as their ultimate idea of love and romance.

Maybe because it is set in college that everything comes off as what college can be frugal, fun, and messy with bad taste. Yet believing yourself sophisticated with glaze drunken confidence and room For plenty of overcompensation. 

Mainly because we get to know these characters. Yet never become interested in them. 

The film tries to be true to and force the time periods and is adorable. Like putting them In a blender filled with the then-current themes and styles. Trying to be naughty or edgy yet cool but so watered down to make it feel dormant and dull.

The film has a particularly uninspired music Video playback that feels like how one would play if the director needed to over compose with dialogue for lacking any visual panache or he’s forced into that Miramax/Dimension romantic teen comedy formula. 

The soundtrack is filled with basic or generic general music that might have been popular at the time. Except for a song from the band  Cibo Matto

To give the film a kind of indie feel. Not to mention matching its College setting and fits the film’s mindset. 

The film is a familiar tale where all the fun feels taken out of the way. While trying to seem fun. Including somehow cross-promoting with THE MAN SHOW.

The film does offer some creative touches and luckily has a cast of recognizable actors before and during their popularity. 

GRADE: D

TOTALLY FUCKED UP (1993)

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 Written, Directed, Edited & Cinematography by: Greg Araki

Cast: James Duval, Roko Belil, Susan Behshid, Jenee Gill, Gilbert Luna, Lance May, Alan Boyce, Craig Gilmore, Johanna West

Life really sucks for a group of gay and lesbian teenagers living in Los Angeles. Their parents kicked them out, they’re broke and bored, their lovers cheat on them, they’re harassed by gay-bashers. If things are going to be this way, maybe suicide isn’t a bad idea; at least not in the mind of Andy, our major protagonist, who gives the film its title by describing himself as “totally fucked up.

This film plays out more experimental than his last film. This film more examines days in the life of a group of friends. We get to see their videotaped confessions and each seeks to show their own little stories that overlap. So they end up all having their adventures. 

That watching the film feels ahead of its time as it comes off a little like the reality show, THE REAL WORLD but also what social media would become eventually. 

As from the first frame of a new clipping about teenage suicide in the gay community. We know what the film will be tackling not that it will eventually be prophetic 

If the audience does as we watch we try to figure out who will either try or allow themselves to do that. 

The film at the time was one of the most penetrating looks at LGBTQ youth that includes sex reckless and romantic and facing consequences for being themselves such as parents throwing them out, infidelity, random violence, looking for love in all the wrong places and people. 

It sets a blueprint for later teenage dramas that were diverse and more hard-hitting in the new Millenium 

This film was actually not as bleak as his previous film. At least not until the ending where we get a dark ending but also feelings. Which the film Seems to lack. As like the teen’s characters. They play up a certain persona but each is vulnerable that they hide from each other. 

The film stays upbeat and energetic throughout and then comes a heaven ending. Whereas THE LIVING END seems so hell-bent on nihilism until the end where it offers actually hope.

This film still has an avant-garde presentation and punk rock attitude and Sensibility. As well as the soundtrack, but surpassingly by the end it also feels like a hardcore after-school special.

The more artistic expression throughout the film. Can be hard to take, even as it breaks up and focuses on characters. Some in the audience might want more story or action throughout. If that is what you seek you came to the wrong movie.

Watching this now through a modern lens. This film is ahead of its time but could have only been made when it was. As it is penetrating and a nice time capsule of the times. Style and politics and just day-to-day life.

This would also be the first of many collaborations between director Greg Araki and actor/star James Duval 

Grade: B-

PLAN B (2021)

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Directed By: Natalie Morales 
Written By: Joshua Levy & Prathiksha Srinivasan
Cinematography: Sandra Valde-Hansen 
Editor: Nathan Orloff 

Cast: Kuhoo Verma, Victoria Moroles, Michael Provost, Mason Cook, Jolly Abraham, Jacob Vargas, Myha’la Herrold, Rachel Dratch, Edi Patterson, Moses storm, Gus Birney, Jay Chandrasekhar, Timothy Granaderis 

Follows a straight-laced high school student and her slacker best friend who, after a regrettable first sexual encounter, have 24 hours to hunt down a Plan B pill in America’s heartland.

Will say that this is one of the better films that I have seen this year so far and definitely one that has made me laugh the hardest and most constantly.

While the film doesn’t reinvent the wheel it does offer a different point of view and protagonists that we rarely ever get to see in this kind of film.

While the characters are part of a certain culture more defined by their parents they are individuals and characters of their own. Though one of the funnier running gags is the paranoia of the Indian mafia (which is a network of Indian characters who all seem to know one another in some way and feed each other news or gossip)

The film is hilarious a lot of times but also exposes a lot of heart and while the main characters keep making a bunch of mistakes the film doesn’t portray them as dumb. They are just teenagers so that while they play it cool and like smart know it all they are more naive than anything.

It’s also a more female-focused and centered teen comedy that doesn’t make all the male characters into villains 

The film has a dirty side but also an innocence that has a few things to say. That luckily has an openness where it’s allowed to be funny and even when it does have something to say it is more subtle and doesn’t feel preachy.

The main characters being people of color is noteworthy but doesn’t take over the film. If anything it offers the audience a chance to see some of the usual hijinks From a different perspective and allows members of the audience to see themselves represented a bit more while also showing most of us to have the same problems and hang-ups. 

No characters in this film are flawless if anything the fact that most of them are flawed is what makes them more relatable and entertaining.

Even the more romantic chances for the characters are not what you would expect or go where you expect them to go. Leaving the film to be a little familiar but luckily a breath of fresh air. 

This is actress Natalie Morales’ directorial debut. She also wrote the script and with such a good debut i for one can’t wait to see more films from her in The future 

Grade: B+

MOXIE (2021)

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Directed By: Amy Poehler
Written By: Tamara Chestna & Dylan Meyer
Based on the book by: Juliet Mathieu
Cinematography: Tom McGill
Editor: Julie Monroe 

Cast: Hadley Robinson, Lauren Tsai, Alycia Pascual Pena, Nico Hiraga, Amy Poehler, Ike Barinholtz, Marcia Gay Harden, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sydney Park, Anjelika Washington, Josie Totah, Josephine Langford

Inspired by her mom’s rebellious past and a confident new friend, a shy 16-year-old publishes an anonymous zine calling out sexism at her school.

One applauds the film on it’s Diversity and constantly wearing it’s message on it’s Sleeve. That is actually empowering to young women and promotes a positive message. While also being a movie that is entertaining and enjoyable.

It’s notable for being Amy Poehler’s directorial debut and she has a supporting role as the lead character’s mother.

What works for the film is its message that saves it from being another forgettable teen comedy that is centered around female characters. 

The script is smart enough to tackle serious subjects and allow a different point of view. That while being heavy at times in subject matter reminds us that the film is centered around young characters who are allowed to be silly at times and immature. Yet still right on when it comes to certain subjects.

Two-thirds of a satisfying movie then In The last third it all come to a head with the aspects that previously have been annoying become problematic. That beats you over the head with its message 

The film is Not subtle with the foreshadowing. It also quickly becomes what can be seen as Peak white feminism. As while the lead character sees injustice and decides to do something about it and pretty soon has a diverse set of new friends to support her as they are the ones who usually is being oppressed and picked on.

Soon they are spreading the message and empowering her and getting stuff done. They are also the ones taking the punishment and the hits more and as soon as it is introduced that she is ignorant when it comes to culture and race and takes it as a personal Insult and soon is having a breakdown as she has no defense and lashes out. So then the movement becomes more about her emotional arc and loses the message and she is especially threatened when it becomes about more than her and the others of various races soon seem to take over and are more vocal.

Not to mention when the film takes down a major villain who uses the patriarchy to his advantage and stays protected because of it. I. A storyline that hat is major but treated minority again as it is more supposed to be about the actual victim it is more centered around her and the change SHE the leader brought about.

It seems that for all fo it’s politics it seems to skip one glaring faux pas of it’s own. Why is there a caucasian lead in a film full of minorities and different types. Where we are supposed to see injustices supposedly from her eyes though she doesn’t suffer and yet constantly acts like she is the one who Is. when in fact they happen to all those around her. The biggest crime perpetrated against her is that nothing really happens to he because she is so unnoticeable

Then the film has the other characters applaud because she cares. The movie might have been more interesting if seen through the eyes of a downtrodden character. That can show an alliance with the caucasian character but can also say something about how it seems white feminism only worried about it’s own concerns and not the universal concern of people of color females.

The way the movie Presents itself is from that kind of liberal feminism that tries to have a positive message but also shows it’s own problems that it refuses to see or at least acknowledge.

In the end when she reveals herself it is seen as her taking back her identity and all the minorities cheer her on. Which feels like white feminism propaganda to a certain extent. 

Especially when Amy Poehler who directs the film and plays the leads mother keeps getting credited by the lead as her inspiration it feels like ego pleasing on display. As she is shown With very few faults herself.

In the end, the film is very empowering and worth watching. Especially for younger viewers but doubt for older teens, it will be as memorable.

Grade: C+

THE CRAFT: LEGACY (2020)

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Written & Directed By: Zoe Lister Jones 
Based On Characters created by: Peter Filardi 
Cinematography: Hillary Spera
Editor: Libby Cuenin 

Cast: Cailee Spaeny, Gideon Adlon, Lovie Simone, Zoey Luna, David Duchovny, Michelle Monaghan, Nicholas Galitzine, Julian Gray, Hannah Gordon 

An update to the original movie. A group of high school students form a coven of witches.

The surprise about this film is that it’s not as bad as I thought it would be. Though it still did end up being the film that was predicted after watching the trailer.

The film works as a sequel/reboot of the franchise. Even though the characters here are younger than the first film’s original set. The characters are so young that this film feels perfect for its audience of preteen and teenage girls.

The film is never as hard-hitting as the original. This is why in a certain way it feels more like a prequel except for modernizing it and setting up a link to the first film.

This film is more sensitive than the robins land deals more with different issues that are mentioned debut barely dealt with except for the central character. She is being bullied and dealing with a relationship with her new all ape stepfamily abs feeling like she is losing the close relationship with her mother.

Though the film does express the idea of the coven depending on ie. Another and being in tune. Rather than in the original separating and pitting them against each other. This film offers a villain but one who really only becomes a menace at the end. So that it feels like a Scooby-doo type ending.

The film also never quite answers the questions: do the other girls who have been studying magic really have powers or are they only empowered as the lead already has the capacity to do magic unintentionally.

The film does have magic but doesn’t rely on it as much as the original. This plays out more as a coming-of-age drama about female friendship and in a way feminism by the end. Rather than horror or supernatural film.

Even when the coven questions her power, the members trying to make a decision whether to bind them or not is not out of jealousy or a power move. nor because they are being bad and she is shaming them for it. It is after what they believe a careless spell caused and are trying to decide out of responsibility more than anything else.

Again I am definitely not the target audience for this film, but am a huge fan of the original. Luckily This film doesn’t embarrass itself, but it does have a much lighter touch. That could have easily been an episode of ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK or HULU’S INTO THE DARK series. Only it is not as cynical, cruel, or violent as those shows. 

So this is a perfect film for young teens. Who wants to watch a film that feels a little more mature and deals with issues that are a little more serious and prevalent in their lives. With a positive message by the end.

Grade: C

TEENAGE COCKTAIL (2016)

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Directed By: John Carchietta 
Written By: John Carchietta, Sage Bannick, Chris Sivertson 
Story By: Amelia Yokel 
Cinematography By: Justin Kane 
Editor: John Carchietta, Josh Ethier & Ben La Marca 

Cast: Nichole Bloom, Fabianne Therese, Pat Healy, Joshua Leonard, Michelle Borth, AJ Bowen  


Feeling confined by their small town and overbearing parents, Annie and Jules hatch a scheme of running away. But as the girls soon find out, consequences can blindside you. Sometimes violently.

Who is this film supposedly for? As it plays like a hard edged after school special. Though it does involve a central coming of age lesbian love story. Though then kind of spoils it by going into a thriller element of sex work and picking the wrong person to do it with.

The film has a weird almost laughable scene where one of the girl’s father looks at her computer ad’s and never says anything. In fact he is more embarrassed and see’s his daughter in her lingerie. Which comes out of nowhere. If the father really cared that should have been the moment to show care and discipline. It is understandable that he is shocked but irresponsible to do nothing about it This is a film that seems to be searching to be something and coming off all wrong.

I believe maybe the film might have been better if directed by a female or at least someone more sensitive to it’s material and nature. As many of the scenes of the two girl making out and frolicking seem more exploitive and vivid. Almost more like fetish and fantasy more than anything else. So that it feels uncomfortable or soft core pornographic rather then just fun or revealing. It reeks more of the male gaze, making any intimacy between the leads more erotic and physical. Rather then romantic, personal or endearing. As most of the time it feels like we are intruding on the girls and watching them as voyeurs. Not in a good way as we invade their privacy and tender moments.

So much so that it feels like an adult film only without the hardcore scenes and not as over the top. Which unfortunately makes it feel slow. Though it had an starter emo indie artist soundtrack. That showcases how amateur the film comes off. As since it doesn’t know how to identify itself. Like it’s characters it just seems to try anything to fit in and be relevant. So that it can say something, but as it has it’s chance. There is nothing new or too striking to say.

Though the final 15 minutes seem more stupid and ill advised even if the characters are young. As all of a sudden the man turns psycho and desperate. In a way over the top way. Rather than subtle.

You can’t shake that the film and the females characters in particular are being shown and shaped under a male glaze that turns everything into titilaion instead of emotional drama. One just wishes there was more to it. As it seems to make an emotional drama about friendship and connection. Then all of a sudden veers into thriller territory. Which could have worked if it didn’t feel so rushed all of a sudden.

It’s a shame as all the actors are usually good in other films and have a real chance to shine here, but what they are given is so mundane and silly that it never makes a mark.  

GRADE: D+

DAYDREAM NATION (2010)

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Written & Directed By: Michael Goldbach 
Cinematography By: Jon Joffin 
Editor: Jamie Alain 


Cast: Kat Dennings, Reece Thompson, Andie McDowell, Josh Lucas, Rachel Blanchard, Katie Boland

Big city girl Caroline is new to a small town, she disregards her high school classmates, and then just for kicks starts a sexual relationship with her teacher, Mr. A. Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer roaming the town, an industrial fire burning on the outskirts, and Thurston is mourning the loss of his best friend. As Thurston falls in love with Caroline, realities quickly catch up to all characters, and they are all going to have to mature or face the consequences.

While this film didn’t love up to the tone that the trailer sets. I still found much to admire in the film.

The film’s mood is a mixed reality for the most part as some scenes feel like we are in a dreamland. The occasional surreal visuals help set that up throughout the film.

At times the film feels a little over the top filled with a ridiculous serial killer side story. That seems to only be there so there can be some kind of structured plot. Instead of having the story be Random. It also sets up to give teenage angst in this film a feeling of true nihilism because literally today could be their last.

It also leaves it to the audience to examine the characters more closely. Maybe their quirks are hiding some real serious mental problem, leaving their behavior as an obvious red flag.

The title comes from the music group Sonic Youth’s classic album. There are numerous nods to the group throughout the film. One Is that One of the leads played by Reece Thompson is names after the music group’s leader Thurston Moore. Like a Sonic Youth album, there are moments of great beauty. While the characters try to have a hardcore edge. They are broke. Like many of the chords the group plays. The only thing missing is the group’s music. It would have been cool if they scored the film, though the soundtrack isn’t bad. Especially its use of the band STARS music throughout the film. They are a Canadian band and this film was obviously made in Canada. Though at least they use the song KOOL THING by Sonic Youth

One of the film’s strengths is the lead Kat Dennings who totally owns this film. She has an off-kilter sexiness. Like Rose McGowan, but with a sharper wit to go along with her looks. She has a classic look as well as being voluptuous. How she wasn’t cast in the lead for the film EASY A. I’ll never know as it seemed to be a role tailor-made for her. Though Emma stone did a good job.

Here her character has a hard shell, but a vulnerable side she only seems to show the audience a she is the narrator.

I like Josh Lucas as an actor, but here he seems wasted playing more of a wounded caricature. Then rather a character. He deserves better as he seems a major actor stick in a supporting role. His character seems to just make no sense, even after learning his back story.

I enjoyed the film’s chapter stops to fully explain situations with a little more insight.

The film at times can be a bit pretentious and hazy as to who is it all for, but it kept up my interest and left me impressed. The film certainly isn’t for everyone. It feels like a PG-13 version of TWIN PEAKS mixed with a sardonic teen movie. Made by David Lynch only not in control of his skills.

A good rental

 Grade: B-