Orange
County (2001)
Okay. People who don't like this film, and there
will be many, will damn it for its poor quality, its
jokes that don't work and its juvenility. They don't
get it.
On the surface, "Orange County" may be a bit simple
and sophomoric, it may even travel some well-worn territory,
but it has heart and soul and imagination and a hell
of a lot of laughs.
The story centers on a high-school graduate played
by cutie Colin Hanks (yep, Tom's son). An over-achieving
surfer boy who has recently discovered literature, in
particular one living author, he wants to be a writer.
He dreams of going to Stanford to study with the author
but inept school counselors, his clinging mother, his
self-absorbed father, his loser big brother and numerous
other forces conspire to wreck his goal, albeit not
always necessarily on purpose. It doesn't help that
he's got a sweet girlfriend at home who doesn't want
to lose him either.
Combining elements of classic 80's teen comedies,
road trip movies and high school hijinx films, scripter
Mike White ("Chuck and Buck") doesn't always nail the
humor on the head. But often the film will surprise
you with a hilarious turn or a pointed bit of dialogue
that will have you yakking out loud.
And then there is the killer climax. I'm not talking
about the end of the film; I'm talking about the climax:
The moment when Hanks' gets what he hoped for, the moment
when he CHANGES. This is a penultimate moment and one
which had me teary-eyed and joyous. The film takes us
to exactly the place it should, does exactly what it
is supposed to and makes it all seem perfect. It's an
ethereal moment, a cinematic moment of true grace. It
makes the film.
Directed by Jake Kasden, son of renowned filmmaker
Lawrence, this sophmore effort is strewn with numerous well-known
faces in many roles. Lily Tomlin, Catherine O'Hare,
John Lithgow, Jack Black, Chevy Chase, Harold Ramis,
and even scripter White make appearances. But it is
Hanks' movie throughout and no one ever outshines him
or his winning crooked smile.
Made under the MTV logo, "Orange County" will be
marketed and sold to the masses as teen fluff. Don't
buy into it. This movie will be most respected by adults
who will see it as a charming and comedic exploration
of coming of age and maturation.
Note:
The version I saw was a rough cut. It contained
a lot of Beach Boys songs.
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