Booksmart

9

Wavy_YeezyMay 28, 2019

I was suprised with this movie. It was surprisingly absolutely hilarious. It reminded me a lot of mean girls and superbad like people are saying. Will go down as the most underrated movie this year.

6 of 13 users found this helpful67

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10

ZoozookatMay 28, 2019

Pitch perfect in every way. The best high school film hands down and I’m a 34 yr old woman.

8 of 16 users found this helpful88

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1

GreatMartinMay 28, 2019

Every time I walk into a movie I have high expectations and every time I see a boring, stupid 'comedy' and don't even laugh once, the first thing I ask myself is "Why didn't I walk out?" and the second thing I do is tell myself "At least IEvery time I walk into a movie I have high expectations and every time I see a boring, stupid 'comedy' and don't even laugh once, the first thing I ask myself is "Why didn't I walk out?" and the second thing I do is tell myself "At least I won't see anything worse the rest of the year!"

Sadly I didn't walk out of "Booksmart" and I hope it is the worst movie I will see this year! I really have nothing positive to say about the cast except to ask if today's teens are really this vulgar, this dumb or is it the screenplay by 4 writers and the director showing them to be this way?

The worst part--and that is saying a lot--is the cringe-worthy performance and lines by Lisa Kudrow as a parent. We won't even talk about the 'father'!

Trying to be positive--and not understanding why-- Meta Critic had a 84% rating by critics and 5.6 out of 10 by the audience.

Please, please if you see it let me know what YOU think of "Booksmart" though you would be smart not to go!

synopsis

The story follows Dever and Feldstein's characters, two academic superstars and best friends who, on the eve of their high school graduation, suddenly realize that they should have worked less and played more. Determined never to fall short of their peers, the girls set out on a mission to cram four years of fun into one night.… Expand

18 of 37 users found this helpful1819

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10

amjudge01May 28, 2019

This was one of the funniest movies I've seen in YEARS. Plus the acting and storyline were amazing. No downsides to this movie. Go support women filmmakers and women-centered stories by seeing this beautiful film!

8 of 19 users found this helpful811

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9

CapnBillMay 28, 2019

Well developed characters in a hilarious counterpoint to Superbad, but you have to allow it license from the literal for it to work.

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

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9

vischallaMay 28, 2019

This was by far one of the funniest and smartest coming of age movies I have ever seen. The on-screen chemistry of Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein feels authentic and real. The jokes are laugh out loud funny and the story is full of heart.This was by far one of the funniest and smartest coming of age movies I have ever seen. The on-screen chemistry of Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein feels authentic and real. The jokes are laugh out loud funny and the story is full of heart. This is a movie I will definitely be revisiting for years to come. With so many memorable lines it is an instant classic.… Expand

5 of 14 users found this helpful59

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7

TVJerryMay 28, 2019

The story of high school nerds going crazy isn't new. Although it's usually teen boys, this film features 2 girls (which has also been done before). This duo spent their school days studying, until they realize that they forgot to have fun.The story of high school nerds going crazy isn't new. Although it's usually teen boys, this film features 2 girls (which has also been done before). This duo spent their school days studying, until they realize that they forgot to have fun. To rectify the situation, they set out on a series of sometimes amusing misadventures. The characters are enthusiastic and a few of the supporting ones are enjoyable. The writing is sometimes funny, but much of it flails. Audience members who can more recently relate to their school years will probably find this more entertaining. As it is, it's always energetic and occasionally amusing.… Expand

7 of 15 users found this helpful78

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10

Lambo442May 27, 2019

I absolutely loved this film. It had a banging, funky soundtrack like Superbad and it's basically that film with chicks but actually it's even deeper in terms of it's characters and manages to be politically progressive without being eitherI absolutely loved this film. It had a banging, funky soundtrack like Superbad and it's basically that film with chicks but actually it's even deeper in terms of it's characters and manages to be politically progressive without being either patronising or daft about it. Put it this way, it's a bit better than 'The Hustle!' I found it so memorable and unique in tone. The girls have an awesome chemistry on screen and it's just a joy to watch.… Expand

8 of 17 users found this helpful89

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8

angelsanzcorreaMay 27, 2019

Ignore the homophobe incels trying to bring this movie down, this is a light, fun and stylish coming-of-age teen comedy. Good writing, great performances and even an impressive cinematography. Superficial, sure, but well worth it.

7 of 17 users found this helpful710

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6

cylackMay 26, 2019

Don't understand the hype. Mildly funny, maybe 1 or 2 lough out loud moments. Took bits and pieces from every teen comedy done in the past, sprinkled in a heavy dose of modern PC. Should have expanded on the theme it touched on briefly of theDon't understand the hype. Mildly funny, maybe 1 or 2 lough out loud moments. Took bits and pieces from every teen comedy done in the past, sprinkled in a heavy dose of modern PC. Should have expanded on the theme it touched on briefly of the obsessiveness to get into elite colleges and whether success or happiness is really guaranteed.… Expand

13 of 19 users found this helpful136

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4

JLuis_001May 26, 2019

As it happened at the time with Get Out, then with Crazy Rich Asians and now with this film, it's quite clear to me that American critics are desperate to be inclusive.

I comment this because after finishing this film I found myself quiteAs it happened at the time with Get Out, then with Crazy Rich Asians and now with this film, it's quite clear to me that American critics are desperate to be inclusive.

I comment this because after finishing this film I found myself quite confused because many of the opinions that I was reading and that I was finding about the story of this film made me ask again and again what those people saw that I didn't.

Olivia Wilde basically made Superbad female version and that's not her fault. Well in a way it is because she chose that script to debut as a director but the rest is the fault of the writers because they were the ones who implemented this story but analyzing it, you will realize that you're practically watching the same film. The only difference is that the main characters in this case are women and they don't have a third character to finish the jokes like Fogell.

Although what interested the guys in Superbad was to get laid, the only difference with these girls is that they try to have fun considering that they apparently think they wasted their time in high school studying to the fullest trying to enter a good college.
Because apparently studying hard and not living at parties with drugs and alcohol is only a crime of the nerds. What a cliche isn't?

But it doesn't stop there. Once the story makes clear where is going, the path that follows is saturated with clichés until the ending.
I don't understand in what way anyone would tell me this is a fresh film, that it reinvents the genre, that it brings something new to the table because I didn't see it anywhere.

Does that mean it's a bad film? Actually bad wouldn't be the word I would chose but irrelevant.
I cannot deny in any way that more stories are needed with female characters, which obviously need more films directed by women.
That the voices of these women should be delivering strong stories and in general terms Booksmart has some of those things I mention.
The director is a woman, the main characters and screenwriters too and I applauded they have that opportunity and that they have the forum for people to see and hear their work but don't disguise the importance of that proposal with the results delivered because I personally think that Booksmart has nothing original or new and that isn't necessarily a bad thing because how many film exists that repeat thematics? However, most of the time that is stressed and criticized and I don't see why in this case it was different and it became acclamation.… Expand

12 of 21 users found this helpful129

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10

j1trainMay 26, 2019

Metacritic has a misogyny and homophobia problem as evidenced by many of the negative user reviews here, many of which I assume were written by people who haven't even seen the movie. Booksmart is a "female Superbad," sure, but it's also aMetacritic has a misogyny and homophobia problem as evidenced by many of the negative user reviews here, many of which I assume were written by people who haven't even seen the movie. Booksmart is a "female Superbad," sure, but it's also a great movie that's written, directed and acted well. It also treats all its characters with humanity, something some of these misogynistic and homophobic user reviewers might want to try, rather than continuing their futile campaigns for men's rights.… Expand

7 of 22 users found this helpful715

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8

mainstreamkidMay 25, 2019

I enjoyed this film quite a bit. I think it's a very well-paced comedy, the dialogue is dynamic and funny, and pretty much every single joke lands. The only real issues I had with this film were its 'MTV show' moments. It feels like there's aI enjoyed this film quite a bit. I think it's a very well-paced comedy, the dialogue is dynamic and funny, and pretty much every single joke lands. The only real issues I had with this film were its 'MTV show' moments. It feels like there's a song playing over the film every 5 minutes, but it does help that a majority of those songs were, in my opinion, pretty great. Other than that, Booksmart pretty much nailed it.

A huge amount of people are comparing it to Superbad, and I do get why they're doing that. I recognize that they do seem to have a lot of similarities, but I think their tones are completely different.

I don't think Booksmart is a good comedy because of its Superbad similarities and how aware it is of the generation it's portraying and presenting itself to. I think Booksmart is a great comedy because it was able to feel very much like its own thing despite of its Superbad similarities and how aware it is of the generation it's portraying and presenting itself to. And to me, that's super-good, just like the film itself.… Expand

8 of 17 users found this helpful89

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1

wingnutzMay 26, 2019

After seeing the very high critic scores, I was expecting to like, and perhaps love, this movie. I love Olivia Wilde, especially her performance in Drinking Buddies. I was really hopeful about her directorial debut. This comedy is notAfter seeing the very high critic scores, I was expecting to like, and perhaps love, this movie. I love Olivia Wilde, especially her performance in Drinking Buddies. I was really hopeful about her directorial debut. This comedy is not funny. There is no timing, no flow. The base premise, that these nerds want to party when they realize everyone else in their high school also got into amazing colleges while partying and screwing off, is silly, of course. But the flimsiness of it, especially because of no follow up, was sad. We kept waiting to laugh, but every performance was so stilted and every character so stereotyped (the over-the-top, effeminate gay theater boys, come on), we chuckled mildly once. After an hour, we walked out. We don't do that. It also made me think it may be a generational thing. But I really don't think so. We love these coming-of-age stories, from Superbad, American Pie, Clueless, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, even American Graffiti. This was just unfunny and bad.

I hope Ms. Wilde gets another shot at directing. But I really hope these ridiculous critic reviews don;t go to her head. Look at the mixed viewer reviews. When critic/viewer reviews are so misaligned, something is not right… Expand

16 of 35 users found this helpful1619

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9

davidislesMay 25, 2019

I don't usually review films on here but the fact that this doesn't have a good audience score is unbelievable. This is a smart and funny comedy that is well acted and well directed. Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein shine as the two leadsI don't usually review films on here but the fact that this doesn't have a good audience score is unbelievable. This is a smart and funny comedy that is well acted and well directed. Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein shine as the two leads and all of the supporting characters are fun without being overdone. The music in this is great, it is well shot, it looks beautiful, and it does a pretty good job reflecting what a high school friendship can be. It might not be for everyone but it definitely is not a bad film. A… Expand

7 of 15 users found this helpful78

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1

KdpannellMay 25, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a boring movie. It tries to hard to be funny. If you watch the previews you have just about seen the movie. It is that bad. I would give it a 0 but it would not let me.… Expand

13 of 27 users found this helpful1314

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9

MarcDoyleMay 25, 2019

What sets Booksmart apart from the typical teen comedy is that it sticks the landing - it has a powerful ending, followed by a hilarious credit sequence. You can't appreciate the writing, the flow, and the directing in general until you'veWhat sets Booksmart apart from the typical teen comedy is that it sticks the landing - it has a powerful ending, followed by a hilarious credit sequence. You can't appreciate the writing, the flow, and the directing in general until you've seen it a second time. Also, have to say GREAT job in the casting department.… Expand

8 of 18 users found this helpful810

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10

IloveaudraMay 25, 2019

This is a hilarious, of-the-moment comedy. Witty, warm and affecting. First rate acting. If you like fresh, modern movies, go see this now!

8 of 17 users found this helpful89

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9

Davrosdaleks1May 25, 2019

Booksmart is about a couple overachiever girls (Beanie Feldstein, from Neighbors 2 and Ladybird, and Kaitlyn Dever) who've spent their entire high school years studying and participating in student government. About to graduate and fearingBooksmart is about a couple overachiever girls (Beanie Feldstein, from Neighbors 2 and Ladybird, and Kaitlyn Dever) who've spent their entire high school years studying and participating in student government. About to graduate and fearing she may have wasted her social time, Feldstein's character decides they should attend a party before it's all over. (It's basically the old high school boys try to attend a party/lose their virginity style R-rated comedy but starring females.)

I found this to be really funny. The pizza delivery guy scene in particular had me in stitches.

When you get down to the bare bones, the story is the basic two best friends find themselves going down different paths trope. Also, the the high school doesn't feel very realistic and the movie is basically about privileged white people problems. But the execution is so good, it didn't bother me much.

Olivia Wilde's directorial debut is surprisingly strong. There are three visual and/or audio moments that are really well done.

Feldstein and Dever are pretty funny and relatable, especially Feldstein who brings so much energy and personality to the role. Heck, the entire cast is pretty good, especially Santa Clarita Diet's Skyler Gisondo as a weird, rich kid who tries to fit in and American Horror Story's Billie Lourd as a nutty party girl who inexplicably shows up wherever the leads are.

The trailers looked good, but the film surpassed my expectations and I recommend this.… Expand

8 of 17 users found this helpful89

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10

rhaddish7May 25, 2019

This show was so funny! It definitely is one of my favorite movies. Everyone in the theater was clapping afterwards and laughing hysterically. It is shocking that it is Olivia Wilde's first directorial debut. Definitely a must see.

9 of 21 users found this helpful912

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8

OneSubtleDoseMay 25, 2019

As a reasonable fan of films in his early 30s. I felt the need to give an honest review. This film is not a 10. Even ignorant hate should not blind a person who made it all the way to scenes involving 'graphic lesbian sex' should admit whyAs a reasonable fan of films in his early 30s. I felt the need to give an honest review. This film is not a 10. Even ignorant hate should not blind a person who made it all the way to scenes involving 'graphic lesbian sex' should admit why their attention was held so long. Of course everything is black and white in today's social climate. Left/Right. This is about a film that I thought was pretty witty, well-paced, cute and hardly graphic in dialogue or scenes of adults kissing. Two cute young women kissing makes it graphic lesbian sex though. Like most men I am all for graphic lesbian sex in contextually appropriate moderation :) It's presence or absence will not make me rate a a quality comedy that lightly touched on a few issues without preaching. Excess of femininity is mocked, playful homophobic language used and future promiscuity glorified. It's all in jest. Lighten up folks on both sides. Feminists. Fight the good fight. I am glad people loved the film enough to rate it as a modern day classic. I do not. Trust in Will Forte & Jason Sudeikis; and a very impressive debut by Olivia Wilde. Score: Eight (Ball. For GiGi) & (10 for Diana Silvers)… Expand

7 of 15 users found this helpful78

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6

amheretojudgeMay 24, 2019

Yes, it is a typical coming of age film, but the kids aren't just told to have fun, the supervisor is a smart cookie.

Booksmart Wilde has got it. I think so. I mean, there have been plenty debut directors hitting home runs in couple ofYes, it is a typical coming of age film, but the kids aren't just told to have fun, the supervisor is a smart cookie.

Booksmart

Wilde has got it. I think so. I mean, there have been plenty debut directors hitting home runs in couple of years. And even though, the director, Olivia Wilde, isn't changing the game or flipping the table, but her rhythm is adaptable to those ever-changing background score that often transcends into a catchy song. Watch her craft a sensible theme that leans towards drama or comedy, within a snap. This risky element in the script does hover around the dangerous territory and when it has to get its hands dirty, it whimpers. The drama is a bit transparent and emotions overridden. The equation between the lead characters, despite of being shallow and backstage when taken lightly, is more absorbent than when it finally reveals its true self.

And no matter how smartly Wilde choreograph these fights with using productive angles and expressive background score, the cheesy liners that initiates the conversations cannot be pulled off with all the distractions possible; no matter how elegant. Beanie Feldstein is the winner. Clearly. Mostly, because she has got a leader-alike role. She is up for anything, overpowering everyone, her personality is, in fairness, crowd pleasing. Her know-it-all attitude draws you in and her.. well, friendship tames you into adoring her.

Kaitlyn Dever, on the other hand, is the underrated star whose zest to keep things vanilla helps survive their friendship. But, surprisingly, as a character, Feldstein can't even stand alone, and Dever is strong when alone, this is where things get juicy and also come to an end; a bit early I'd assume. At the end of the day, this will always be the beckoning of Wilde's talent, that were maybe hidden maybe not, but what's sure is that she is here to stay, in her comic arena, not experimenting but confident in her punch lines.… Expand

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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10

levistringMay 24, 2019

A really funny movie in the vein of Superbad. The women in this are hilarious and some great cameos from 2000s SNL. My wife and I both loved it and will probably see again 10/10. There hasn't been a great comedy like this for years. Must See IMO.

10 of 24 users found this helpful1014

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0

OlivierPielMay 24, 2019

Trivial. Self-absorbed. Verbose. Superficial. And yet, this waste of film gets 84% critic score with a "must see"label. How presumptuous!
The problem is not its promotion of lesbianism per se. It's just that this film is only about the navelTrivial. Self-absorbed. Verbose. Superficial. And yet, this waste of film gets 84% critic score with a "must see"label. How presumptuous!
The problem is not its promotion of lesbianism per se. It's just that this film is only about the navel gazing of two teenagers. You don't need to make a movie to "send a message": You write an essay. This has ZERO CINEMATOGRAPHIC VALUE.
America is truly sinking right and now left.… Expand

26 of 70 users found this helpful2644

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9

LamontRaymondMay 23, 2019

It's a really good movie, though totally different from any other "classic" teen movie - mostly due to the fact that almost nobody is mean to anyone else. There are no a-holes. The jocks and popular kids don't inflict physical and emotionalIt's a really good movie, though totally different from any other "classic" teen movie - mostly due to the fact that almost nobody is mean to anyone else. There are no a-holes. The jocks and popular kids don't inflict physical and emotional pain on the sympathetic smart kids. All that being said, it does a great job exploring the main pair's friendship. And the casting of the supporting cast is right on.… Expand

15 of 34 users found this helpful1519

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10

StevenslabaughMay 23, 2019

I saw an advance screening of this movie and I thought it was very good. I usually hate comedies but this movie is fresh, original and constantly funny throughout. Olivia Wilde did amazing for her directorial debut, there's an underwaterI saw an advance screening of this movie and I thought it was very good. I usually hate comedies but this movie is fresh, original and constantly funny throughout. Olivia Wilde did amazing for her directorial debut, there's an underwater scene that is absolutely beautiful. Whenever I thought this movie was going to do something cliche, it flipped the script and took me by surprise. This movie has a broad appeal and I highly recommend it.… Expand

21 of 47 users found this helpful2126

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Booksmart

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