This coming-of-age comedy follows a night in the individual lives of several kids in a group of recent high school graduates, as they prepare to enter the workforce or go to college. It is set in a small town in California during the early 60's. The inciting incident occurs when one of the main characters, Curtis, isn't so sure that he wants to go off to college after all - even though he is supposed to leave the next day. These friends are connected by friendship, uncertainty, their cars, and a popular radio show.
I felt that there was a good balance between the serious moments and the slapstick humor scenes within the movie.The main conflict within this story is that of Man vs. Himself, as the characters try and answer the age-old question of identity, which ties directly into the main story question - can each character find their way in this post-high school world? The movie follows a series of Freytag Pyramids. Each character has his/her own story; therefore each has his/her own pyramid. This movie definitely falls into Blake Snyder's Rites of Passage category. Each character is struggling with what it means to exist as adults. Along the way, each character meets someone, or is involved in something that changes their perspectives.
Most of the main characters are round, or three-dimensional. Each character is dynamic as well, some more than others. For example, throughout the course of one night, Curtis, a by-the-book guy questioning his future, meets new friends, chases his dream girl, and is even involved in grand theft auto. Because of these events, he ends up making a choice that will impact his future. He seems to fit the description of romantic hero. He raises questions that his friends haven't asked themselves yet. When he began his own journey of self-discovery, he unknowingly launches the journeys of others. I felt that his character didn't have quite the end that I wanted or expected. It's almost as if his character arc took place too quickly, especially when comparing it to the otherwise slow pace of the movie. For me, that was a weak point within the story.
Then there's my personal favorite character, Terry or Toad, as he's sometimes referred. He's a bit of a stock character, in that he's your typical nerd, trying to be cool so he can fit in. Although he can be seen as flat, we see him open up and change, thus becoming dynamic. He becomes more confident in himself and might even find some romance along the way. He is definitely your accidental hero. He gets himself into messes without even trying to and unknowingly helps someone along the way.
Then there's my personal favorite character, Terry or Toad, as he's sometimes referred. He's a bit of a stock character, in that he's your typical nerd, trying to be cool so he can fit in. Although he can be seen as flat, we see him open up and change, thus becoming dynamic. He becomes more confident in himself and might even find some romance along the way. He is definitely your accidental hero. He gets himself into messes without even trying to and unknowingly helps someone along the way.
This George Lucas-directed film is the complete opposite of Star Wars. It doesn't deal with sci-fi, aliens, or the like. But, it is a sweet, feel-good movie about the challenges small-town kids face, as they graduate from high school. Even though the story was good, it wasn't spectacular. Although I don't believe it's award worthy, I do feel that it is worth watching, especially if you're a recent high school graduate. I believe that this movie mostly seeks to entertain. I do, however, feel that there is a deeper meaning - even though you might think you've got it all figured out or even if you have no clue, things can easily happen that will change your mind; don't get stuck in one idea. With that being said, I think that the main focus of this story is ideas.
Overall, this story succeeds. I found myself laughing out loud, dancing to the soundtrack, and understanding the conflicts the characters were facing.
Overall, this story succeeds. I found myself laughing out loud, dancing to the soundtrack, and understanding the conflicts the characters were facing.
Film Grade - B
Check back here soon for more reviews.
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
Check back here soon for more reviews.
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
Works Cited
Everyone Needs a Hero (Ch. 1) – The GWU Film Critic [Blog post]. (2016, September 1). Retrieved from https://gwufilmcritic.wordpress.com/2016/09/01/everyone-needs-a-hero-chapt-1/
The Freytag Experiment (Ch. 2) - The GWU Film Critic [Blog post]. (2016, September 7).
Retrieved from https://gwufilmcritic.wordpress.com/2016/09/07/the-freytag-experiment-ch-2/
When "Story is the Genre (Ch. 2) - The GWU Film Critic [Blog post]. (2016, September 7).
Retrieved from https://gwufilmcritic.wordpress.com/2016/09/07/when-story-is-the-genre-ch2/
9/22/16