Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut is a nod to coming-of-age films of the 80’s, 90’s and even 2000’s. Think of it as a cross between Superbad and pretty much any other teenage film you can think of. The good news is that it kept me amused for a while. The bad news is that I didn’t love it. But at least I can start on a positive note: Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever are both sensational as high school seniors who are about to graduate. But before that, they plan one last memorable night of partying. Can you guess what happens next? Obviously. But it’s the chemistry between these two, along with some truly funny sequences, that make “Booksmart” a fun ride. Is it worthy of all the hype it received this year? No. But much like most coming-of-age films, it’s all about the journey and not the destination. And that journey is brightened by a lot of talented actors and a raunchy screenplay. I just wish it had more surprises up its sleeves.
Categories: 2.5/4, comedy, The Twenty-First Century