D+Directed by Olivia Wilde Starring Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever Review by Drew Landry |  |
Ever wonder what the Superbad sequel would be? If so, Booksmart is it, except it was unfunny. Directed by Olivia Wilde, Booksmart took the last day of high school through the perspective of two highly motivated, ambitious, intelligent, and involved senior girls – Amy and Molly – who believed in the mantra “hard work pays off.” When Molly (Beanie Feldstein) learned those whom she looked down up academically also had ambitious post – high school plans, she was stunned. A few scenes later, Molly convinced her best friend Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) to tag along with her on a carefree night out.
What Amy and Molly experienced was meant to be the funny parts of the film. It was a big swing for the knee – slapping, gut – clenching laughter but a big miss. If hilarity was meant to be delivered by Wilde, she struck out.
The experiences Amy and Molly shared have been replicated in some way, shape, or form. They went somewhere, something outrageous happened, and it was supposed to be funny. Then there was a moment where the friends fight after they get their hearts broken and by the end of the night, they make up and their hearts are mended. Everyone had a fun time, and it has a happy ending. Yawn…
These events were easily reminiscent of the 2007 comedic smash Superbad. That was the disappointing aspect of Wilde’s film. She had a tremendous opportunity to make a solid comedy but instead rehashed an earlier film with female leads. Yes, coming of age films had a tough time breaking out into their own niche and that was a hard problem to shake but at least they faced different problems and scenarios. Booksmart repeated Superbad’s concept and hoped for Superbad’s reception.
The experiences Amy and Molly shared have been replicated in some way, shape, or form. They went somewhere, something outrageous happened, and it was supposed to be funny. Then there was a moment where the friends fight after they get their hearts broken and by the end of the night, they make up and their hearts are mended. Everyone had a fun time, and it has a happy ending. Yawn…
These events were easily reminiscent of the 2007 comedic smash Superbad. That was the disappointing aspect of Wilde’s film. She had a tremendous opportunity to make a solid comedy but instead rehashed an earlier film with female leads. Yes, coming of age films had a tough time breaking out into their own niche and that was a hard problem to shake but at least they faced different problems and scenarios. Booksmart repeated Superbad’s concept and hoped for Superbad’s reception.
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