Over all, the movie, directed by Dan Harris and featuring name actors like Kal Penn and Janeane Garofalo in small roles, has a focus problem that leaves its humorous moments obscured and its intentions hazy. Based on a 2008 off-Broadway play, this movie seems determined to cover every issue of concern for teenagers under the sun, and then some. Adult hypocrisy, teachers who are sexual predators, fuddy-duddy school boards, homophobia, internet hate and humiliation, bullying, teen pregnancy, underage drinking, freedom of speech, the difficulties in being a gay teenager new to a small town -- these are all addressed. While these characters are not saints -- they binge-drink and get sloppily drunk, talk of having unprotected sex, and have anonymous sex with adults in a nearby park -- they are also shown to be works in progress who find ways to stay true to themselves and to learn from their mistakes, despite the double-standards of the adults and the snubs from their peers.
Review of Speech & Debate
