PIC of the Week – Booksmart
Article series by Ray Schillaci
These last two weeks have been very hard for me since I’ve been laid up in pain. So, what can I do when I can do so little…watch movies. Very few releases provided much entertainment. MA left me blah. Octavia Spencer turns in a creepy performance, but the film itself rides the fence as a thriller and character study. By the time the end rolls in, I felt the film could have been so much more. MiB International turns out to be better than the last two sequels only due to Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, but that’s not saying much. The story is uninspired and the jokes feel old hat.
Then moving onto this week there was the release of John Wick 3: Parabellum. Why? Why was there so much hype for this movie? Did we really need another John Wick movie after the second lackluster effort? I know it has its diehard fans. Heck, I loved the first movie. There was purpose, a wonderful mysterious backstory and the anticipation of what the man was capable of.
But, both sequels, for me, proved to be absent of anything that was worth the first movie and just a higher octane kill count. I could not see past the video game stylized, over-the-top violence that replaced any kind of absorbing storyline. Sure, they attempted to give us some foreshadowing of John’s past, but it felt shoehorned in. And, the end was absolutely ridiculous, only to set up for another sequel. I like action when it’s accompanied with a decent story. The Raid: Redemption and The Raid II are the best examples. But, JW3:P just made me yearn for a rewatch of those films.
Okay, now that I’ve moaned about the lack of creativity and entertainment value over the last two weeks, my PIC is the 20th Century Fox Blu release of Booksmart. Two academic overachievers discover that for all their studying over the years there are other students receiving the same opportunities for colleges and jobs that only studied half as hard, and spent the rest of the time partying. The girls decide to shed their good girl personas and cram four years of partying into one night.
Now, that may sound like a very simple premise. But, in the very capable hands of writers Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins, Susanna Fogel, Katie Silberman and director Olivia Wilde, the film ends up being not only very funny, but sweet and poignant as well. Yes, some of the situations are outrageous and may be a bit outlandish, but it all fits so well. The winning cast also exemplifies the talent behind the film doing it so much credit.
Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein as Amy and Molly, the two “nerds” that studied so hard to reach their goals are a wonderful comedy team. The chemistry between the two is uncanny. They are like old pros of comedy and a complete joy to watch. They are also incredibly endearing through the tender moments that are so expertly directed by Wilde.
Both the writers, Olivia Wilde, and her cast are able to deliver a story about love that transcends the boundaries of sexuality. That alone is commendable. Watching the aches, pains, and awkwardness of a first love whether it be gay or straight becomes universal in the hands of Wilde and her writers. What makes this film really standout are the tender moments as well as the laugh out loud ones.
Visually, in this age of digital high resolution media it’s refreshing to see a movie that has that stamp of being one that was shot on film. That warm ’70s feeling is throughout even though the film is set in the present. There are no visual issues here. Even low-light situations come off well. Maybe it’s me, but I felt a John Hughes influence throughout the visuals. It’s a pleasant nostalgic feeling at best.
The DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack works best with music throughout the film. The nice part about it all is that the dialogue is clear, and sound effects are impressive. Even the party sequences are well balanced. Your surround system will be used to its fullest effect.
Bonuses are more than worthy, but will still have you asking for more (if you fall in love with the film as I have). Director Olivia Wilde offers up an insightful audio commentary. Along with this we also get:
• Booksmart: The Next “Best High School Comedy”
• Pliés and Jazz Hands: The Dance Fantasy
• Dressing Booksmart
• Deleted Scenes
• Gallery
Once again, for me, this movie rocks. I felt it captured this generation’s experience in school before college just as Eighth Grade captured the feelings of a young girl in an awkward age. Yes, this film is more raucous, but it is almost as sensitive. For some, this will definitely be one to add to your library.
Lowest Price: $19.96 – Amazon and Walmart
