โ21โ garners big laughs with simple plot
The new R-rated movie โ21 and Overโ is a hilarious comedy directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, writers of โThe Hangoverโ and โThe Hangover Part II.โ โ21 and Overโ follows a predictable problematic adventure of three friends in a stereotypical college atmosphere.
Former high school best friends Miller (Miles Teller, โProject Xโ) and Casey (Skylar Astin, โPitch Perfectโ), plan to surprise their friend Jeff Chang (Justin Chon, โThe Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1โ) to celebrate his 21st birthday at his prestigious college. After Chang declines his friendsโ plan to celebrate due to his father stressing the importance of his medical interview that following morning, convincing words and forceful behavior by Miller trap Chang into agreeing to the plans. The friends agree to go to one bar to have a few drinks, but before the friends are even aware of it, Chang is passed out and unable to direct them back to his house.
As they begin their journey to find someone who knows where Chang lives, they find themselves caught in tough situations to get out of, all while dragging around their unconscious friend. Drunken college students, a drugged man in a Native American headdress, physical altercations, a kidnapping, torture and embarrassment by an angered Latina sorority and the participation of a nine floor drinking game are just a few of the situations they found themselves caught in.
Every time they think they are close to finding Changโs address, they are diverted and reach another dead end. As the tension grows, Miller and Casey begin to open up to each other and express secrets they have been hiding, realizing their friendship had grown apart. After Chang suddenly awakens, he is out of control and runs the streets of the college town before getting himself arrested.
Miller and Casey are presented with an even bigger problem than finding Changโs house now: they need to find him. Throughout all the struggles and obstacles that the friends face, they learn important lessons, growing not only as friends, but also as individuals.
โ21 and Overโ is a lighthearted, fun film for the younger audience to sit back and relax while watching. It does, however, have more serious topics incorporated into the story. The acting was above average, able to portray typical college students, with varying moments throughout the film both serious and comical. Although this film is playful, it is extremely typical. Stereotypes of the smart Asian, the partying white teenage male, the hot sorority girl and the crazy Latinas are exaggerated and expected. This film does not call for much attention from audience members.
