Rating 15
Length 1h32
Release 03.11.2023
Director Emma Seligman
About Unpopular best friends PJ and Josie start a high school fight club to meet girls and lose their virginity. They soon find themselves in over their heads when the most popular students start beating each other up in the name of self-defense.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Trailer:
The Good
Ruby Cruz, Kit of the Willow tv show, shows another layer to her acting in her vulnerable, humorous, outlier. While I would give anything for season 2 and 3 of Willow, I’m happy to see Cruz in something. There’s something familiar and androgynous about the role of Hazel. Almost like the love child of Buffy’s Oz, Stranger Things’ Robin and Ghostbuster’s Egon.
This film is bat shit crazy in the best way. It’s funny, delves into real issues and goes to the extreme when needed. The final act is so unhinged that you have no choice but to go with it.
This is Booksmart, meets Jawbreaker by way of Jennifer’s Body and Metal Lords. I could list more because the setting and the story is ultimately familiar, yet there’s a unique and fringe quality that gives this an edge.
Alo Edebiri is proving there will be life after The Bear. Awkward but leader-worthy is currently her niche, and much like the Emmy winning show, she plays it really well.
The music is on point. It’s up there with Clueless and 10 Things I Hate About You for soundtracks you’ll want to listen to.
The Bad
The trope of building something up from a lie.
It’s a little tired because as soon as it starts, there’s only one way it can end. I really just wish there’s a way of having this film without that plot thread, or a subversion of our expectation upon the reveal.
The Ugly
The adults in the film totally suck. They’re terrible teachers, parents…. hell they’re terrible adults. As rubbish as they are though, it allows for everything to take place. Just prepare to hate all the adults and just roll with it. The minute you start questioning anything, the whole pack of cards fall down.
Final Thoughts
A brilliant, bat shit crazy movie that will not be everyone’s cup of tea.
The Queens of Geekdom 