Campy teen flick not as bad as detractors say

RELEASED IN 2017 and directed by Benny Fine, "F the Prom” is a campy high school dramedy about two inseparable neighbor-friends, Cole (Joel Courtney) and Maddy (Danielle Campbell), who separate when they enter high school wherein Cole is relentlessly teased while Maddy becomes the most popular girl. When they reunite two and a half years later, they scheme to destroy the Prom (the ultimate teen popularity contest) teamed with a ragtag gang of outcasts.

There are a lot of 1 Star votes (out of 10) of this movie on IMDb, which is absurd. While this may be a low-budget teen flick, it’s not THAT bad. Many of these critics lament how unrealistic the movie is, which is ridiculous in light of its campy tone. It would be like criticizing the 60’s Batman TV show for being unrealistic. In other words, there’s a lot of silliness and exaggerations in “F the Prom,” but it’s intentional. Underneath it all, the movie reflects several real-life issues, mostly pertaining to popularity and the drive to be liked. Others argue that the point is elusive and characters contradict themselves. No, the point(s) are obvious and some characters change their minds because they’re fickle teens.

This is a solid low-budget high school flick, but it’s a little too talky for my tastes. And I guess the staple “gay” character is here to stay at this juncture, but the movie wins points for boldly illustrating that even gays have their cliques and shun those who don’t conform.

Campbell and Madelaine Petsch are solid on the female front, but the director could’ve showcased their beauty better (and I’m not talking about nudity). Meg DeLacy is intelligent & winsome as Stuft (aka City) and has a beautiful face, but needs to gain some curves.

THE FILM RUNS 1 hour, 32 minutes and was shot in Southern Cal. WRITERS: The Fine Brothers and Molly Prather.

GRADE: C