Can't Hardly Wait

<<

Screening Suggestions

>>

If I'm honest, I can count on one hand how many times I've actually sat down and watched this movie. It was never really a "go-to" for me when it came to teen comedy, but it was always still a film I admired for being a teen comedy without the need to be raunchy. Suggestive moments, perhaps, but not enough to really raise any eyebrows. The comedy here relies heavily on the characters and their interactions with one another - a good thing. Much like 'American Pie', however, this one is split down the middle on opinion.

The entire film takes place at a house party, celebrating high school graduation. The main plot follows Preston (Ethan Embry), who wishes to proclaim his love for the most popular girl in school, Amanda (Jennifer Love Hewitt), having just been dumped by her jock boyfriend, Mike (​Peter Facinelli).

Preston is accompanied to the party by his friend, Denise (Lauren Ambrose) who doesn't want to be there, but goes for moral support. Joining in are rapper wannabe, Kenny (Seth Green) and geek looking for revenge, William (Charlie Korsmo), both of whom are mostly responsible for the comedy relief of the film.

As the night goes on, certain characters go through certain things and grow as people, as one might expect from something like this. However, I particularly enjoy the message this movie has about fate and it's overall existence (said by Jenna Elfman in a sexy cameo). It's understandable that the message might be considered pretty heavy-handed, but I find it kinda interesting.

Another nice thing to say about this film is that, much like 'Breakfast Club', there's a character in here for everyone. Also, much like 'Breakfast Club', a lot of their personal growth comes from interactions where these characters learn more about each other, and open their eyes. The film, as a whole, is actually pretty sweet.

While it's still not my go-to, personally, I feel like it's still a good recommendation for this list. Being that opinions are split, it's a good one for anyone to see for themselves and decide. My personal take is that this is a simple slice-of-life film, and there's not much to it other than teenagers at a party with their own agendas. But again, I feel like everyone has a relatable character in this somewhere. For me, it's William - a geek who goes to the party with ill intentions, but ends up having a more interesting night than he thought he would. I have to say, Charlie Korsmo, a.k.a. the son from 'Hook', plays the drunk role surprisingly well.

This is another one that was released while I was in high school, so there's a tiny bit of a personal tie to it in that way - and this is far more accurate to what high school was back then than 'American Pie' was... Well, except Kenny's style, I dunno what that was about, but we never had that. Not that I can remember.

While I can't speak for the Americans, this one is available up here in the Great White North on Netflix. It's an easy one to throw on and get through for a few decent laughs, and a bit of a spiritual journey of sorts... a BIT of one. Mostly it's just a fun teen party movie with a romantic plot - yet not entirely a romantic comedy. It's a good one for my generation to go back and check out. It might just bring up some fond high school memories.

---