Watch Booksmart

Booksmart is a coming-of-age comedy film directed by Olivia Wilde, released in 2019. Starring Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein in the lead roles, the movie revolves around two high school seniors who decide to make up for their hard work and study by going on a wild night of partying before graduation. Molly and Amy, the two protagonists, have always studied hard, aimed to be the best in their class, and focused on getting into Ivy League schools. They believed that by avoiding socializing and partying, they would achieve success, something they both value above all. However, when they realize that their classmates have also gotten into good universities while leading active social lives, they feel cheated out of their adolescence. In an effort to make good on the missed opportunities, they decide to attend a big end-of-year party, hoping to end their high school years with a bang.

The film follows their journey as they navigate through different party situations, meet a variety of characters, and confront their own insecurities. Along the way, they have to overcome numerous obstacles, but in the end, they realize something quite significant about themselves and their relationship with each other.

The film is unique in many aspects, one of which is the portrayal of the two main characters. Molly, played by Beanie Feldstein, is the class president, who is bossy and has a sharp tongue, but is also fiercely loyal to her best friend Amy. Amy, played by Kaitlyn Dever, is a spunky, feminist girl who is comfortable with her sexuality and her identity.

Additionally, the cast of Booksmart is impressively diverse, with characters from a range of backgrounds and orientations. Not only are the protagonists Molly and Amy portrayed as strong women, but they are also depicted as having their own vices and weaknesses.

Aside from the characters themselves, the film features many memorable moments that stand out. The party scenes are particularly engaging, with each one having its own unique twist. Additionally, the actors deliver some witty and sharp dialogue, the kind that would be easy to miss in a single viewing.

One thing that makes Booksmart stand out from other high school comedies is its use of humor. The film combines slapstick and situational comedy with smart dialogue and a range of comedic situations, allowing for almost everyone in the audience to find something funny throughout the course of the film. The humor also manages to avoid being crass or relying on cheap gags, making it a welcome addition to the genre.

Another standout factor is the cinematography, which perfectly captures the frenzy of high school life. Every shot is carefully crafted to convey the energy and chaos of the party scene. The soundtrack of the film is also a major aspect, featuring a range of catchy songs that complement the overall tone of the film.

As the movie progresses, the relationship between Molly and Amy becomes more and more poignant. The two actresses have great chemistry and are able to convey the deep bond between them, making the film not just a comedy, but a touching story of friendship.

In conclusion, Booksmart is a fantastic and fresh take on the high school comedy genre, with an engaging cast of characters, a well-crafted script, and terrific direction. It’s a story of friendship, self-discovery, and letting loose. Wilde's directing debut of the film might have set the bar high, but the movie delivers on all accounts as a riotously funny, joyous celebration of friendship and the end of high school. It is definitely one of the stand-out comedies of 2019, delivering both laughs and an important message for teenagers and young adults.

Booksmart is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 84.