As college students, we have become familiar with the lay out of the average teen comedy: nerd gets dream girl or boy, the evil jock is defeated and all ends happily ever after.
This comedic genre has been rewritten one too many times in the form of mediocre films like She’s All That and Never Been Kissed.
But luckily for us, the new comedy Orange County has arrived just in time. With its offbeat humor and charismatic cast, this film has what it takes to give teen comedies a respectable place in the film industry.
Orange County documents the mishaps of Shaun Brumder, a California surfer who suddenly realizes his destined profession after the death of a close friend. Brumder, played well by newcomer Colin Hanks, decides to achieve his dream by attending Stanford University.
There are only two things standing in his way: his absent-minded guidance counselor, played by comedic veteran Lily Tomlin and the dysfunctional family.
Much to Shaun’s dismay and disbelief, his college application to Stanford is rejected. Suddenly he realizes in order to make his dreams become a reality, he must get out of Orange County.
With the help of his environmentally conscious girlfriend, played by Schuyler Fisk and his stoned brother, played by comedic genius Jack Black, Shaun attempts to seek his destiny and escape from the disarray of his surroundings.
Hanks, the son of Academy-award winner Tom Hanks, plays the role of Shaun Brumder to near perfection. With his energetic body language and comedic facial expressions, audiences will sympathize with his chaotic situation.
Jack Black brilliantly displays his talents as a member of the Brumder family. In nearly every scene Black steals the show with his rambling dialogue. His performance will leave audiences laughing hysterically, but wishing that they could have seen more of him.
The outstanding supporting cast, which includes Harold Ramis, Chevy Chase, Ben Stiller, Garry Marshall, Catherine O’Hara, John Lithgow and Kevin Kline, add an extra dash of comedic spice to film.
Although the film is interesting and humorous, audiences might be let down by the sappy, non-realistic ending.
Orange County is a fairly well written comedy that doesn’t require a Ph.D. to understand. The story line is simple, but will definitely leave college students rolling in the aisles.
Movie Grade: B+
