Review of American Teen (2008) by Corey P — 19 Aug 2008

I was wary of this film in advance. Something didn't seem right, and that feeling prevails through the first few minutes of the movie. It feels a little scripted/set up/movieish for a documentary. But it eases in nicely and I can only review it as a film/story and less as a documentary. While most people had a hate on for specific characters, I didn't hate anyone. People certainly had major flaws and I could recognize that I wouldn't probably be friends with most of them, but they weren't necessarily all in all bad people at heart - they have their own complications that explains (but does not apologize for) their actions. if that was the general point of the film, I guess it succeeded.

Down to individual characters: Everyone loves Hannah - she's a bit overly fragile but this seems to drive her to make the right decision to get the hell out of Buttfuck Indiana. I liked Mitch but indeed it seems he succombs to what others think and acts immaturely because of it. Jake is frankly, pathetic, but it was obvious he would eventually turn out okay. Megan is pretty rotten, but she's not stupid, and it was clear she'd get over herself eventually. She had to get out of the city the same way Hannah needed to, but their method of expressing it it so different. Colin seemed to more or less have it together other than having to get over himself to succeed at sports. So all in all, no problems here. I think those suggesting every teen see it in school are going a little too far, its not THAT good, but its good. Finally, as a Canadian - man American schools are kind of bizarre. The kind of pressure inherently built into that school is messed - kids face enough trouble worrying about social troubles and grades without high school sports being covered as if they were professionals. Even the school TV announcements/productions being watched in the class in the morning is weird. And I had no idea that Americans had to do the pledge of allegiance every morning. Not that patriotism is completely bad, but that sort of forced nationalism in schools is mildly creepy to say the least.