BOOKSMART is the funniest film of the year, no contest. The sheer rate at which the gags arrive will shatter your defences, the breezy energy and easy charm of the leads will win you over. It’s great, and staggeringly rare to see teenage female characters talking and behaving like the same actually do without judgement. It’s a huge-hearted tale of friendship for the ages and a dual star-making turn for Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein, with Diana Silvers and Billie Lourd providing strong support. As a fellow introvert who still struggles to get myself out there, Amy and Molly’s regret at missing out and frantic quest to make up for lost time really spoke to me. It might go a little overboard in the final stretch, but not enough to ruin all the good stuff. You’ll never look at a stuffed panda the same way again. Olivia Wilde’s directorial career will be one to watch. SSP
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About SSP
Sam Sewell-Peterson
I'm not paid to write about film - I do it because I love it. Favourite filmmakers include Bong Joon-ho, Danny Boyle, the Coen Brothers, Nicolas Winding Refn, Clio Barnard, Steven Spielberg, Guillermo del Toro, Paul Verhoeven, Taika Waititi and Edgar Wright. All reviews and articles are original works written and owned by me. They represent one man's opinion, and I'm more than happy to engage in civilised debate if you disagree.
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