Review of Spork (2010) by Griffin S — 15 Aug 2012

I was suprised by this little movie on my first viewing, enamored with the wicked sense humor, which hinges on heavy swearing by Junior High schoolers, and the pervasive use of of cultural anachronisms. It's Nineteen Eighty Thousand or something in this film-- 90s Miami Bass hip-hop, leg warmers, side ponytails, tape decks, The Wiz, Britney Spears, A 2001 Mini Cooper all get screen time.

Upon second viewing, it becomes clear though that the film has many weaknesses. Which is odd, because it almost seems that the script's uneven pacing, awkward gags, are simultaneous strengths. There's a pregnancy joke in the climactic Dance-Off that isn't really given a reason to be funny, and soon after that scene, the camera briefly catches a student from earlier in the movie being forcibly escorted off the campus by the faculty, which is given no context at all. There's little things like this all throughout the film which make it endearing to watch. One wonders if the screenplay was meant to come off as awkwardly as the Spork herself. Overall, though, it's thoroughly charming and funny, and a unique sense of styling makes it a joy to watch.

To wit: Many people seem to be offended by the idea of 12-14 year olds swearing so openly. If this offends you, you've been blinded by your own prudence. This is how school kids talk. Walk into any public school, especially Junior High and early High School, and you'll notice that swearing is sometimes used in preference over actual language. Get over it. At least this script has the courage to portray the harshness of early adolescence.