A "B+" for surprisingly solid acting and dialogue.
But since the plot line is a road we've traveled
countless times before, there's no unpredictable
twists to jerk the film out of the clutches of
mediocrity.
Teen next door neighbors, Nicole and Chase, feign
a loving high school couple in order to attract the
real objects of their hearts affection -- you know,
through jealousy. But the scam may backfire -- could
they accidentally fall for each other? Ya think? Of
course the whole thing climaxes (though that's a
strong word) at the Centennial dance (a teen flick
prom substitute).
The most interesting parts of the story get lost:
Chase is a sub-culture, anti-conformist who delights
(along with two buds) in making fun of the preppy
crowd. Nicole is deep into the "in" crowd. Their
coupling puts Chase into Dockers and tames his wild
head of hair. Says his ex, "Did you fall in love or
just fall into the Gap?" How he reacts to his new
"prep" pals is very interesting. However, only once
he brings Nicole into his culture -- her reactions
there are rich as well. Unfortunately, all of this
gets run over by the steamroller of a predictable
plot. It is only the solid performances, direction,
dialogue and editing that keep the film from
flat-lining.
But I'm an old fart, perhaps the unknowing teen
will be waiting on the edge of her seat to see if
Chase and Nicole "really really" work out.
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