This Is the Year

Personally, I don't see this becoming a cult classic. The film started off so fast paced I didn't think anything would peak my interest. I soon realized that the movie was appropriate and genuine, and I was so comfortable getting to know these characters.

I did like the premise of this high school senior living his life like a movie, and learning hard lessons on this cross-country road trip while he professed love to his best friend's cousin. I liked the homage to 1980s John Hughes classic movies as well. Lorenzo James Henrie and Vanessa Marano are so likable, attractive, and fun together- I really enjoyed their chemistry.

Some sections like the music/dance scenes and the conflict between Zoey and Kaleb didn't work for me. Also Jeff Garlin as the English teacher was an odd casting choice- he's more humorous on Curb Your Enthusiasm. Those were minuscule observations that didn't affect my rating.

It's a medium grade film, but with enough heart for me to give a recommendation for families.