Review of Struck by Lightning (2013) by Amie B — 10 Jan 2013

Struck by Lightning is a dramedy that's as unsure of itself as its protagonist is smug. It's not particularly humorous (a feat somehow managed regardless of Rebel Wilson starring), and Carson Phillips (Colfer) comes across as self-righteous and unrelatable, forcing an emotional disconnect from the film's heart.

There is a very clear plot running throughout, it's just unfortunate that the journey from beginning to end is riddled with subplots and characters that aren't explored as much as they perhaps should have been. For example, it's particularly easy to villainize Carson Phillips' mother (Janney), who in retrospect is actually the only character offering up more than the two-dimensional performances given by others on screen.

There's a hidden lesson in morals somewhere; something about the importance of self-belief, having a solid grasp on achieving your aspirations, and the lasting impact one person's actions can have on the lives of others. Unfortunately these are all smothered by the otherwise bland dialogue and lack of substantial characterization. Carson has little interest in the lives of his fellow peers, belligerently labelling them clichés. And that's exactly what they are; each is the echo of a role existing in every teen movie since the 80s and nothing more. Perhaps the lack of development past the jock, the cheerleader, and every other outdated archetype is a subtle artistic choice made within the film's creation, but it's doubtful because that would suggest to it having more layers than it does.

Colfer's writing debut is decent. A little self-serving and narcissistic in moments - at times Carson comes across as a vehicle from which Colfer can narrate an ode to his own high school experiences with the same clichés he describes in Struck. If it wasn't for the fame garnered by Colfer's appearance on Glee, as well as a recognizable cast of stars from modern-day television and cinema, Struck by Lightning would quite possibly be just another drab indie comedy swept under the rug and into obscurity.

It's an odd little film. One that with a little more attention could have offered up the introspective revelation that it oftentimes teases. An admirable first step into film for Colfer, albeit one that feels succinctly incomplete. Despite all its shortcomings, it's not entirely unpleasant to watch, and the final few minutes still managed to leave me in tears.