Though the story does resolve itself appropriately, the conclusion, like the rest of the film, acknowledges that teen issues seldom have easy answers. But what if Lloyd Dobler had a bit of a drinking problem, and was still interested in his ex-girlfriend? And what if it wasn’t Diane Court who had the unreliable dad but Lloyd? Worse, what if you started to wonder whether or not Lloyd was actually a good thing for Diane or her likely downfall? You see the complexities at work here. The general plot arc-bold and gregarious guy lends much-needed courage to bookish, wallflower girl-is similar to Cameron Crowe’s classic film Say Anything. A love scene is shot through with the awkwardness, giggling, and fumbling that such teen encounters usually generate.

The film is determined to keep things real and honest though surprising, it’s no accident that the attractive leads are filmed without makeup, looking more freckly and blemish-y than we’re used to seeing onscreen teenagers. Again and again, having seen high school romance movies before, you think you know where each scene and event will take you, and with each turn you’re wrong. This film is as thrilling and as bittersweet as real life, and just as unpredictable.

Ī charismatic high school senior lives happily in the present because it keeps him from dealing with family woes, but a sympathetic neighbor urges him to confront his issues. Andrew is The Reading Date’s resident movie critic and this week he discusses The Spectacular Now directed by James Ponsoldt from A24 Films. The Movie Date is a weekly feature where we discuss movies that may appeal to YA readers.

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