Lets’ not beat around the orange bush, if you live in Orange County, California and you don’t want to leave it, you’re an idiot. Which is exactly how I felt after paying nine bucks to see this over-hyped piece of fluff. I wanted to leave the theater, but I kept waiting for the laugh riot to begin, but alas, I was mistaken. I admit it, I was sucked in by the previews. Chevy Chase, Garry Marshall, and Harold Ramis, how could it possibly suck? Unfortunately all of their rolls, and at this age they do have rolls, were nothing more than glorified cameo appearances. The star(?) of this teen, High School mess was the son of Tom Hanks. You remember Tom. Thinning hair, usually losses weight for parts, bloats up in between and wins tons of trophies. Right, that Tom. Well I have met Tom Hanks and his son, Colin, is no Tom Hanks. He’s sort of a low rent Freddie Prinze Jr., who is sort of a low rent Freddie Prinze Sr. The only saving grace is Jack Black (Tenacious D). His portrayal of a burnt out, drugged up stoner is reminiscent of a young Sean Penn as Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Which is by far, a much better film in every way. Catherine O'Hara is also terrific as the alcoholic mom we all wish we had to guide us in our Wonder years. If you think I hated this movie, wait until you read my Royal Tannenbaums review. No nudity equals one pie.

Reviewed by Neil Leiberman
1/12/2002

Trailer Available Here