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Orange County is a comedy-drama film from 2002, directed by Jake Kasdan and starring Colin Hanks, Jack Black, and Schuyler Fisk. The movie tells the story of Shaun Brumder, a high school student who dreams of becoming a writer and enrolling in Stanford University. However, his plans are threatened when he finds out that his guidance counselor mistakenly sent the wrong transcripts to the college. In order to rectify the mistake, Shaun must travel to Stanford and convince the admissions office of his worthiness to attend.

The film is set in Orange County, California, which serves as both the backdrop and inspiration for Shaun's aspirations. Shaun is a bright and ambitious young man who idolizes the works of Marcus Skinner, a famous author who also happens to live in Orange County. Shaun's obsession with Skinner's work fuels his own writing and inspires him to pursue his dream of becoming a writer himself. However, his dysfunctional family, including his alcoholic mother Cindy (Catherine O'Hara), drug-addicted brother Lance (Jack Black), and clueless father Bud (John Lithgow), threaten to undermine his efforts.

Shaun's journey to Stanford takes him on a wild and comedic adventure, filled with a cast of quirky and memorable characters from Orange County. Along the way, he meets Ashley (Schuyler Fisk), a charming young woman who helps him navigate the challenges of the college admissions process. However, as Shaun's ambitions come into conflict with the demands of his family and the limitations of his surroundings, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities and discover what truly matters to him.

At its core, Orange County is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of family, identity, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Through Shaun's journey, the film examines the pressures and expectations placed on young people as they navigate the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The movie's blend of humor and heart makes it an entertaining and emotionally resonant film that has remained a beloved cult classic in the years since its release.

The performances in the film are standout, with Colin Hanks delivering a nuanced and relatable portrayal of Shaun's struggles and aspirations. Jack Black's performance as Shaun's troubled and hilarious brother Lance adds an extra layer of humor and emotion to the film. Schuyler Fisk also shines as Ashley, bringing a warmth and sincerity to the character that elevates her beyond the typical love interest role.

Overall, Orange County is a charming, funny, and heartfelt film that speaks to the universal experience of finding one's place in the world. Its clever writing, strong performances, and memorable characters make it a standout in the coming-of-age genre and a must-see for anyone who has ever pursued their dreams.

Orange County is a 2002 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 48.