Booksmart Review

Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein in "Booksmart." Courtesy of Annapurna Pictures.

Molly: "It's fun your mom thinks we're boning."

Amy: "It isn't you who has to deal with their awkward looks when I say that I'm going to the library with you and I'm actually going to the library with you."

With Olivia Wilde making her directorial debut, I was glad to see that it was a comedy. Seeing her in comedies was her forte, she knows how to handle jokes, while also being dramatic in some serious roles. Her taking on directing is exciting and fascinating, and she has chosen "Booksmart" as her first one. And since the film is following the plotline of "Superbad" it is great to see the female version of that story, and an updated version for a technological group of kids. "Booksmart" is a well made comedy that exceeds in many ways, and leading the way are two amazing performances. It is a generational comedy that will most likely leave its mark on 2019s kids who are graduating high school and or college.

"Booksmart" is about two graduating seniors, Amy (aka Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (aka Beanie Feldstein), who are about to wrap up high school with excellent grades and are going to great colleges. Come to find out, everyone else in their school is going to great colleges as well and they partied their whole high school careers. Molly and Amy agree that the night before their graduation, they go out and party, and as you can predict, things get out of hand quickly, but leads to an unexpected journey over the course of one night between two close friends that is unforgettable. This film is condensed and small, which is then heighten through Dever and Feldsteins performances and Wilde's direction.

Kaitlyn Dever (right) and Beanie Feldstein (left) in "Booksmart." Courtesy of Annapurna Pictures.

The biggest compliments are what I have already stated. The two lead performances are authentic and effective. Dever and Feldstein created a sense of chemistry that was undeniability refreshing. They carry this film and have fun with each other. Even the side characters are having fun as well. There is a overall light tone between the actors, which helps create that authenticity through the acting instead of being forced. This is due to great directing from Wilde, who puts these actors to the test in all of the situations that come their way. Both Dever and Feldstein end up facing some harsh situations that put their friendship to the test, and there is one scene that is incredibly well made and it is hard to look away.

I want to acknowledge the humor in the film as well. I think this film is going to be looked at in the years to come for some of the dialogue pieces that are created. This script can be exceptional at points, including adding some depth to our two leads. Including one scene where both of them revealing secrets about each other, which is strange and bizarre, but so over-the-top that the joke is hilarious. This happens frequently throughout the film. The comedy is all over, which I am glad for because great comedies are hard to come by nowadays and watching "Booksmart" reminded me how efficacious this genre can be.

Kaitlyn Dever (left) and Beanie Feldstein (right) in "Booksmart." Courtesy of Annapurna Pictures.

But that is what leads me to my criticisms of "Booksmart." It plays stereotypical to the comedy genre. As if the filmmakers and screenwriters had to play it safe since this was a risk going into it. There are many moments in the film where it can feel predictable, especially in how they incorporate music. The soundtrack can sometimes become distracting in certain spots in the film, which takes away some of the brilliance that is being displayed onscreen. These music choices and how the script fluctuates in many instances, it can be a disappointing that these aspects occur because the film is already exceeding on significant levels. I can look pass some of these, but it can be a little distracting sometimes.

But "Booksmart" does have an overall message that left me smiling and satisfied when I left the theater. This film tells us that it is okay to go out and to have fun, and to experience life. Will it be a rocky ride? Yes. But we all learn from those life experiences, and potentially find new friends in the process. Strengthen friendships as well. "Booksmart" becomes intelligent in that way. Instead of having regret, go out and have a good time. Maybe even get a little wild? I think that most of us do not want to live without experiencing what life has in store. And "Booksmart" displays us this theme bluntly, and with lavish humor. As if life can be funny sometimes too. "Booksmart" teaches us that being booksmart can take on multiple looks, and this one happens to be going out and partying, and letting loose.

Rating: B+

Run Time: 1 Hour 42 Minutes