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Sep 13, 2019marcos_santiago rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
Take your pick of coming-of-age movies. There are 3 of them in the last year. "Booksmart" is a 2019 movie directed by Olivia Wilde, who is a successful Hollywood actor. it has been released very closely after "Mid90s" (late 2018) written and directed by Jonah Hill, himself another successful Hollywood actor. And do not forget about "Eighth Grade" (2018), written and directed by Bo Burnham (in his feature directorial debut). "Booksmart" has a fresh mix of themes. It centers on the friendship of the two main characters. This very strong bond between the two girls is threaten by impending adulthood. In a sense, Booksmart is a very funny, light, comedy, recycling many scenes from other teen movies. I think the cast is fantastic, but the movie is self-indulgent. I would probably blame the director. "Mid90s" storyline did not resonate with me. I saw it a while ago, and I find it forgettable. Maybe it explains why Jonah Hill is the way he is, but nothing else. "Eighth Grade" is the best one of this bunch, it is funny but a lot deeper, it explores teen anxiety, technology, and the relationship with a father that doesn't know how to connect. I would gladly watch "Eighth Grade" a second time. I don't think I would sit down for another viewing of "Booksmart"...