Booksmart – 2019

• Originality: Comedy is entirely subjective, but that doesn’t limit its impact on those that don’t get it. Teen comedies are a dime a dozen, but Booksmart avoids some of the common pitfalls as its two leads charm their way into the heart of the audience through some very relatable dialogue and a tightly written script that doesn’t just rely on its leads to make it funny. [4.0]
• Performances: Beanie Feldstein is cut from the same cloth as her brother Jonah, but she isn’t quite as trying over long periods as he is and her natural comedic timing benefits her co-lead Kaitlyn Dever who plays her straight (ironically) man throughout. Both actresses are able to switch between serious and funny without missing a beat and their chemistry is undeniable. [4.5]
• Technicality: Olivia Wilde is most well-known as an actress, but here she puts herself behind the camera and she is a natural talent, even if some of the shots don’t put the same effort in as others. The scene by the swimming pool is easily the best shot of the film and the way it lingers on Dever helps the audience see how quickly life can turn on a lovestruck teen. [4.0]
• Rewatchability: I watched this film again less than two months after watching it the first time and I feel quite certain that I could watch it again right now. There are few comedies that appeal to me, but something about the natural banter between all of the young cast members makes this film worth rewatching more than most other films this year. [5.0]

Total – [17.5/20.0]