Get Over It (2001)

Directed by: Tommy O’Haver

Starring: Ben Foster, Kirsten Dunst, Sisqo, Colin Hanks, Martin Short, Ed Begley Jr., Shane West, Mila Kunis, and Swoozie Kurtz

Genre: Comedy, Teen Comedy

Rated: R

Burke Landers (Foster) has just been dumped by Allison, the girl he believes is perfect for him, and he is determined to get her back. This determination only increases when she begins dating the new guy at school, Striker (West), who is a member of a boy band and uses a terrible British accent to impress women. When his ex and Striker decide to try out for the school play, a horribly butchered musical version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Burke decides to try out as well. Kelly (Dunst) offers to help him – in hopes that he will notice her. What follows is a play on the original Shakespearean story, set in a modern high school.

I’ve heard this film compared to 10 Things I Hate About You, as both films are updated adaptations of Shakespeare’s works. However, this film isn’t nearly as good. I found it fairly lacking in the comedic area. It felt like it was going for cheap laughs at times. Martin Short’s performance as the overly dramatic and narcissistic theater director felt very over the top (which was probably the idea), and though he was funny at times, he became annoying quite easily. The plot itself felt very watered down. What was once a beautiful play becomes a fairly clichéd storyline when all the magic and fairies are removed. The ending is predictable.

Kelly and Burke are the only likable characters in the entire film. The others are either annoying or not memorable. The acting was okay, but I really didn’t feel like a lot of the actors were invested in their characters. Kirsten Dunst did a good job and she actually has a really nice singing voice. I love Ben Foster’s work, and he is great with comedy, but only when the dialogue is well-written. 

Overall, this isn’t a bad film, but it’s not a great one either. I simply didn’t find it funny. It’s a lack-luster effort that feels like it’s trying to cash in on the trend of updated film adaptations of Shakespeare for the teen audience.

5/10

The Virgin Suicides (1999)

Directed By: Sofia Coppola

Starring: James Woods, Kathleen Turner, Kirsten Dunst, A.J. Cook, Josh Hartnett, Hanna Hall, Chelse Swain, Leslie Hayman, Danny DeVito and Jonathan Tucker

Genre: Drama

Rated: R

Based on the novel by Jeffrey Eugenides

The peaceful air of a 1970s suburb is shaken when, over the span of one year, five teenage sisters commit suicide. Thirteen-year-old Cecilia is the first to take her life, and the story follows the family through the eyes of the neighborhood boys as they deal with the aftermath.

I will be straight with you – when you’re done watching this film, you may say to yourself “What was the point?” The one thing many people dislike about this movie is the fact that it doesn’t give the viewers answers to the questions they have throughout the film. You’re left wondering what the film is trying to say. Some think its anti-religious fanaticism, some think its speaking out against intensely overprotective parents, and some see something much deeper. What you take away from it is entirely up to you.

The movie itself is a faithful adaptation of the novel. The characters are believable and all, in a way, are tragic. The girls and their parents, obviously due to the suicide – but also the boys who tell the story. They put these girls up on a pedestal and idolized them. To these boys, the Lisbon sisters – who seemed like normal girls to everyone else – were mysterious and goddess-like. They believe they love the Lisbon sisters and, when the girls kill themselves, the boys experience a loss of innocence the rest of the neighborhood cannot comprehend.

The film is very artfully done, told from the bystander’s perspective – we only get to know the Lisbon family, especially the girls, from what these boys experienced. The girls only stand out when they are with their peers and away from their parents – which is a rarity. Otherwise they almost fall into the background, as scenes with the parents are dominated – as with their lives – by the parents. Symbolism, like the tree infection and the suffocation motif, is littered throughout.

The cast did a great job with this. James Woods and Kathleen Turner are both easy to dislike and to pity as the overprotective parents of the girls. Kirsten Dunst is the main attraction as Lux Lisbon – the rebellious daughter who fights the rules and clearly embraces her sexuality. Aside from Cecilia, the other sisters pale in comparison because they are quiet and obedient. I believe this was intended. All performances by the girls were done well. Josh Hartnett plays the slightly rebellious football player who becomes infatuated with Lux. He’s the only one who gets close to the Lisbon girls, and he’s the one filled with regret after all is said and done.

Overall: An interesting film that leaves you with a few unanswered questions. It examines the way a tragic event affects a suburban town and the ripple effect touching those around the girls. Not recommended for those who like narrative closure – but both the film and the novel are worth looking into.

7.5/10