Book Smart is a comedy film directed by Olivia Wilde. The plot sees two straight A students Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein), decide to have one wild night of partying before they graduate high school. This comes as a result of the girls choosing work over partying, only to find out that their choice made no difference and was my all means futile.
I rewatched this last night and I have to say it is an exceptionally smart film, it manages to keep a lot of the sex comedy traditions alive, but also modernism them and add a feminist spin. It is interesting to see the ‘one wild night that will define the rest of their lives’ plot line from a female perspective. Much like its predecessor Blockers, this film adds to growing number of females coming of age films.
Personally, I think this film was so relatable and true, it felt realistic, well to a point, the situations the girls find themselves in aren’t that wacky and over the top as can be the case with a lot of other sex comedies. I also loved the style of the film and the way it is shot; I think Wilde has a clear eye and can do stylish very well, even her slow-motion sequences worked; which is not something I often say.
The characters are well written and deep, which again is not really something you would expect from a teen sex comedy, even the side characters prove to be more than they first appear to be; which is very nice to see. The best supporting character is easily Billie Lourd as Gigi, who is a scene stealer whenever she is on screen. The main duo are likable and relatable, Feldstein especially. Molly as a character easily has a lot of the best moments in the film.
Overall, a very strong, very honest debut for Wilde. A nice breath of fresh air in an ever-decaying sub-genre. This film deserved more love than it got.
Pros.
Smart.
Well written.
Well-rounded characters.
Funny.
It is a breath of fresh air.
Cons.
Kaitlyn Dever is the weak link.
4.5/5
Reviewed by Luke
Another Millennial Reviewer 