Reviews

Do not go to this movie expecting anything that's logical or realistic. It is a purely fun film with a rocking soundtrack.

Viewers who would most appreciate this would be the ones who have at least a vague memory of the television cartoon series because there are a lot of jokes and references that might go over one's head otherwise--not to say that kids wouldn't enjoy it as well, because they will.

There's a lot going on in this film. So much happens so fast, but that is intentional. It is highly visual, and the style almost seems like a cross between Steven Soderbergh and Tim Burton, of course with a lot more pink and glitter. The images literally pop out at you at times. And while the plot is somewhat contrived, you might not mind too much because it speaks so clearly to our current culture.

The parody of Boy Bands and Pop-Star Girls is dead-on and that's why this is such a guilty pleasure. You can appreciate how they are made fun of and enjoy the characterizations at the same time. And all the performances are first rate--from the cameo performances by Breckin Myer and Seth Green as members of the Boy Band "Dujour", to leads Rachel Leigh Cook and Tara Reid as Josie and Melody, to the supporting players, particularly Alan Cumming and Parker Posey as the record executives. Also look for cameos by Carson Daly and Ken "Babyface" Edmonds.

Rosario Dawson as Valerie makes quite an impression. Her strong but anxious portrayal helps set up the classic conflict of female friendship vs. "diva-like" fame--a conflict we've seen played out over and over again in many VH-1 "Behind the Music" episodes.

All in all, this is a film you'll enjoy upon first viewing and maybe even more with repeated viewings. If anything, you'll be dancing out of the aisles as you head home.

First off, I had seen this movie when it first came out on video, and as a product of the 80's and John Hughes movies, I was entertained, but disappointed. But what impressed me the most were the scenes between Denise (Lauren Ambrose) and Kenny (Seth Green) which still hold up.

The reason I went back to this movie recently was because I've become a bigger fan of Seth Green's and wanted to check out his performance again.

I am 30 years old and a few weeks ago I watched this movie 3 times in one weekend! Why? Well, it is a stupid "no need to think about it" movie. Just enjoy it. It takes you back to the "ideal" world of high school--that one FABULOUS party where you finally can lay it all on the line and you have no fear because school is over. Remember how people would write in others' yearbooks: "I always had a crush on you"? Well, this movie captures that type of notion. It is a fantasy in a way and if you let yourself, you can be part of that party and part of the fun.

One interesting thing about the film was the DVD audio commentary. No, this is not a classic Scorsese or Coppola film with commentary that delves into filmmaking techniques, motivation, or purpose, but the commentary for "Can't Hardly Wait" was endlessly fascinating. It is by the writers/directors and Seth Green, and it was often hysterical--the movie-makers often humbling themselves. They pointed out things that make the movie more interesting because there is SO much going on in the party scenes. And they can laugh at themselves and point out what would've made the film better! It gives you a different point-of-view in the process of movie-making because it is not pretentious.

Also many of the actors with small parts in this movie are working in TV and film right now. Look out for Breckin Myer, Jamie Pressley, Erik Palladino, as well as some familiar faces from the casts of Popular, Freaks and Geeks and Felicity.

And the music is a nice mix of 80's and 90's tunes which give it a bit of a timeless feel. It is not a poignant film, like "American Graffiti" and it teaches no lessons, but I think anyone who can relate to the feeling of wanting to fit in in high school would enjoy this nostalgic trip.

This one definitely grows on you the more you watch it, so if it's something you've seen in the past and are curious to re-visit, I definitely recommend it. If you're in for a first time viewing and have an open mind, you should be entertained.