Watch Candy Jar

Candy Jar is a coming-of-age movie released in 2018 that focuses on the lives of two high-school students, Lona and Bennett, who seem to be complete opposites of each other. Lona is a straight-A student who has her eyes set on getting into Harvard, whereas Bennett is a slacker who is more interested in pursuing his passion for literature. Despite their different personalities, they are each competing in the same academic debate competition.

The story begins with Lona and Bennett being assigned as debate partners, much to their dismay. Initially, they bicker and argue, unable to find a common ground due to their contrasting perspectives. However, as they spend more time together, they discover a shared love for all things ‘nerdy’- from classic literature to comic books to sci-fi shows- and strike up a friendship.

Their bond is tested when they both apply for the same scholarship, which would give them the opportunity to attend the same university. The scholarship committee makes its decision based on the contestants’ scores in the academic debate competition, putting Lona and Bennett in a challenging situation. On one hand, they want to compete hard and win the scholarship, but on the other hand, they don’t want to ruin their newfound friendship.

As the competition approaches, their personal lives also become complicated. Lona’s mom is overbearing and imposing, putting undue pressure on her daughter’s academic performance. Bennett’s father is a struggling writer who wants his son to focus on more ‘practical’ career paths, putting Bennett’s passion for literature under threat.

The plot deftly highlights the struggles that come with growing up, especially in a world that expects young people to excel and achieve success in conventional ways. At its core, Candy Jar is a movie about the possibilities of friendship and understanding, and how two people who seem to have nothing in common can find common ground.

The lead actors, Sami Gayle and Jacob Latimore, bring a sincerity and charm to their roles, making their friendship all the more believable. The supporting cast, including Tom Bergeron and Uzo Aduba, also do a great job, adding depth and nuance to the storyline.

One of the standout features of Candy Jar is its soundtrack, which is a perfect blend of classic and contemporary tracks that capture the mood of each scene. The movie also makes excellent use of its setting- a high school in a small town- showcasing the unique dynamics between students, teachers, and parents in such an environment.

Overall, Candy Jar is a delightful movie that balances its heartwarming moments with humor and insight. Carey Scott, the writer and director, has created a relatable coming-of-age story that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Although the movie focuses on two teenagers and their journey, its themes of identity, friendship, and ambition are universal and timeless. It’s a must-watch for anyone looking for a feel-good movie with a lot of heart.

Candy Jar is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.