Can't Hardly Wait

A film review by Jeffery Sanders
Copyright © 1998 Jeffery Sanders

Being of teenage maturity I was actually quite exited to Can't Hardly Wait. I enjoy the actors (Jennifer Love Hewitt, Seth Green, Jenna Elfman and much much much more), like the soundtracks that usually accompany these sort of pictures, and love last night of school flicks (American Graffiti, Dazed and Confused, Say Anything). And while it's no surprise that this film doesn't quite reach the heights of the latter films, I was surprised by the lack of originality and drama in the screenplay. While the film does have some funny bits and some sincere moments, it doesn't cover any new ground. But Wait! Just when you think I didn't like this film...BANG!!!! I do! Why? Because the actors are just so dang likable it's impossible not to fall in love with them.

Here's the 411: It's the last night of school and a party's going down. The film takes place almost entirely at this aforementioned all-night kegger. We meet a group of over 500 teens who just graduated (60 have actual speaking parts; 10 have actual personalities, the rest are only Teen stereotypes: Jock, Nerd, Fat Guy, Gangster, Horny Guy, Klepto Guy, Yearbook Girl, Whiny "It's My Party" Girl, Beer Guy, Slut Girl, and much more.)

The film has several different storylines (just like the other movies) and by the end they are all resolved. Some stories are: A shy guy (Ethan Embry) tries to get the attention of the girl he loves (Jennifer Love Hewitt), A natural girl (Lauren Amrose) gets trapped in a bathroom with her enemy- a wannabe gangsta' (Seth Green), a nerd (Charlie Korsmo) tries to get revenge on the jock who ruined his high school years (Peter Faciinelli). All the players, especially Ambrose and Green deliver realistic and fun performances. The film is also spruced up by cameos by Jenna Elfman, Jerry O' Conell, and TV's Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Unfortunately, many interesting and funny storylines are confusing, such as the storyline involving the band. Also, thrown into the film is an embarrassing song number sung by Korsmo.

Like I said before, Can't Hardly Wait is nothing new, but it is still a fun picture. What I really like is how, whenever we met a new character it would show us his/her stats, hobbies and a quote. This is a really interesting touch. If you are not of the Teenage variety, it may be best to leave this film to the youngins, but if you like the actors, a fast easy to follow pace, and obtrusive pop songs, than CHW is for you. It's an unoriginal, but fun time at the theaters.

7.5/10

Yesterday's history.
Tomorrow's
the future.
Tonight's the party.