Review of John Tucker Must Die (2006) by Denise A — 19 Jul 2012

John Tucker Must Die is like the cute but somewhat dim witted cousin of Mean Girls. It's not as smart or interesting but it's still nice to look at. Instead of putting some thought into a story about the real way high school kids live, this film is content to be marginally amusing and about as deep and realistic as the average episode of Saved By The Bell.

This movie has a very attractive cast, a charming tone, a quick pace and a script that isn't insultingly stupid. There aren't a lot of laugh out loud moments, but it's inoffensive and will provoke a few smiles. There's a basic level of competent storytelling at work here that, sadly, you don't see all the time. It's really not a bad film.

However, it is very easy to sum up the problems with John Tucker Must Die. It's that John Tucker has a last name and neither Kate nor the other three girls do. There's no effort made to ground this story in anything real. It's a collection of clichà (C)s that are only slightly rearranged from all the other films and TV shows you've seen them in. It's not based on anyone's actual high school experience or an attempt to understand the dynamics that drive young people to do the things they do. Every situation, characterization and line of dialog here is tissue thin, with no surprises or anything to engage your brain or heart.

But not every movie needs to be a masterpiece. Sometimes all you want or need is a frothy diversion and John Tucker Must Die fits that bill. It's pleasant, unchallenging and uninvolving. As long as you don't expect it to have more bite than a 90 year old grandma who's lost her dentures, you'll probably like itâ¦and then quickly forget it.