Review of First Period (2013) by Scott C — 02 Jul 2015

"First Period" is to "Mean Girls" what "Wet Hot American Summer" was to "Meatballs": a parody that works best when it forgets it's a parody. It's fleeting moments of real pathos are so satisfying that you can't help wishing the whole thing had been reigned in a little bit.

Brandon Alexander III as new-girl Cassie Glenn eventually manages the feat of making you forget he's a boy. He even has a little of Reese Witherspoon's plucky charm from "Legally Blonde", and you find yourself rooting for Cassie even though the template is so well-trodden that the eventual happy ending (and requisite variety show performance) will surprise no one.

Dudley Beene as her bestie has his moments, but unlike Alexander, never becomes more than a boy in a dress. The two central characters are the only cross-dressing actors, so "First Period" does not have the feel of a "drag movie" like "Girls Will Be Girls". And although nearly all the situations are predictable (as in "Scream", this is part of the satire), it's still fun watching it all unfold.

Production standards are surprisingly high, and the supporting cast are solid, featuring cameos by Cassandra Peterson (Elvira), and Judy Tenuta. Highlights include Lauren Rose Lewis as the bitchy Heather (who else?), Jack Plotnick as the creepy teacher, and Diane Salinger, who nearly steals the show as the "free spirit" art teacher.

The finale could have been more climactic, but all in all, "First Period" has more of a heart than you'd think, and is only a wee bit weaker than most of the movies it parodies.