Teenagers try to make up for lost time in Booksmart, the directorial debut of Olivia Wilde.
It’s not that Amy and Molly have been wasting their high school years. In fact, they’ve worked hard to get into top universities, but keeping their eyes on the prize meant they weren’t learning everything they should have been. Dating, drinking, and partying are all vital boundaries to push, and before they leave home, they’ve decided to cram in some last-minute lessons.
You know Olivia Wilde, the actress, but you probably haven’t seen the shorts she’s done to ease into directing. Booksmart marks her feature debut, and she’s taken on a tough genre. The raunchy teen comedy is full of greats and spectacular failures, and most of the time the difference is finding the balance between abrasive jokes and genuine heart. Easier said than done, so this film should provide a solid test of Wilde’s skills as a director.
Helping her out is a pair of promising young actresses in Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein, who have shown that they can handle everything this film throws at them. And as always, the actor-turned-director pulled a deep cast from their many connections. Jason Sudeikis, Lisa Kudrow, Will Forte, and Jessica Williams all appear, which should draw in more viewers.
People will be eyeing Booksmart as a test for Wilde, and hopefully she passes along with her characters.
Booksmart is directed by Olivia Wilde and stars Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein, and Jason Sudeikis. It will be released in the US on May 24th, 2019 and in the UK on May 27th, 2019. For international release dates, click here.
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