From the 1st moment, Booksmart starts, audiences will be transfixed to the screen as they watch one of the best comedies of the year. Anyone who gets the impression that this is just another coming of age movie needs to go back and watch the trailer again. Writers Susanna Fogel, Emily Halpern, and Sarah Haskins have created a narrative that is equal parts heartfelt and Superbad. Booksmart is about identity. Amy and Molly gave up partying to work on their dreams of academic stardom. When Molly and Amy come to realize the perception that’s been created, they decide to party all night (on the day before their graduation). The girls realized that they might have missed out on a valuable experience, and perhaps their classmates will see them in a different light.
It’s hard to believe that this was Olivia Wilde’s first foray as a Director and she did a fantastic job. The pacing of the film was perfect. At no point did I feel that someone was trampling all over a comedic moment. What makes Booksmart so great is the strength in Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever’s performance and how well this ensemble melded together. One of the funniest moments in the film came in a minor moment where Molly was interacting with Amy’s parents (played by Lisa Kudrow and Will Forte) who have a different interpretation of their daughter’s friendship with her.
I did enjoy how the film did touch on the harmful impact of labels have on kids in high school. What makes Booksmart different is how the two leads are as guilty of the very thing everyone does to them. It’s that epiphany Amy and Molly have which make the film special to me. Just because someone has long hair and comes off a stoner doesn’t mean they are a loser. What about that girl who likes to hook-up in the back seat, does that make her any less intelligent. It’s not to think that Wilde didn’t relate to this narrative right away.
Overall, Booksmart is a joy to experience with many moments audiences will relate to. So if you are looking for something fantastic to see, then do your homework and find out where Booksmart is playing.
Dewey Singleton has been reviewing new releases in television and film for many years. Dewey's reviews have been heard in multiple markets (Houston Atlanta, Tampa). Dewey's past work has been with awardswatch.com, awardsradar.com, and bleeding cool. Dewey is a proud member of the CCA.