Review of The Perfect Score (2004) by Laurence C — 24 Aug 2009

Not a particularly inspired nor innovative teen movie, The Perfect Score still gets points for being tasteful, occasionally funny and sincere in its intentions. Trouble is, energetic performers and a few amusing set-pieces can only get you so far, and Brian Robbins' limp, sloppy direction fails to take advantage of the talent on display.

The fairly preachy screenplay, despite its swift pacing, also doesn't quite find a satisfying enough conclusion to its narrative, and the dialogues vary in quality and relevance. Nevertheless, younger teenagers will find enough here to warrant a viewing, and this product is anything but an insult to their intelligence.

The six teenagers central to the story are embodied by very likeable (though hardly extraordinary) actors, most of them outshined by the vibrant and naturalistic Johansson.