Review of Orange County (2002) by Nathan C — 06 Apr 2011

A laugh-out-loud comedy that's not only fun but poignant. It puts the viewer not only in a state of mind, but also in a state of enjoyment.

Shaun Breminger is one of those typical SoCal guys, but way smarter and with a true destiny as a surfer. Until one day, he discovers a book that affects him so much that he is inspired to become a writer. And he wants to go to Stanford under his wing as well. However, he is rejected due to a mix-up. Oops. But with the aid of some unexpected allies (girlfriend, quirky family, stoner brother, etc.), he tries to correct the situation so he can get in to Stanford.

The cast is well-suited, with Colin Hanks doing a fine job his first time around. But it's Jack Black who steals the movie, with his awesome gravitas and comic talents. The script is great, and the soundtrack is composed of some neat songs. Who knew the O.C., with all its dumb people (confirmed here) and Valley Girl speak, would be a complimentary backdrop for such a surprisingly smart flick? But, yes, it is kinda dumb, but that's what helps make it funny. Fun cameos, including Ben Stiller as a firefighter and Kevin Kline as a writer. It also has some positive themes, and is feel-good in a California sort of way.

However, it's not a 5-star movie due to its unresolved plot threads and tendency for over-the-top goofiness. Also, what kinda holds it back is it that it's 10 minutes too short for my liking.

Overall, Orange County could've been one of those lame teen comedies with absolutely nothing going for it, but the filmmakers had good sense to turn it from lame to good. One of the better films that MTV was involved in, before it was foolish enough to open the gateway to television hell... a place more unbearable than Orange County.