The movie is full of cliches and bullying from the start. I can understand if people think some of the jokes and played out stereotypes are trying to poke fun at high school, but the acting is horrible and it misses the mark. I started to wonder if the writer or actors actually believe prom is the "best night of your life", and that there is nothing beyond high school.
I think this movie would be incredibly toxic to kids who are currently in high school and it is frustrating if you're out of it. The idea that bullying/revenge is okay ("make them feel how we did all of high school") when it comes from the underdog is a horrible idea to plant. The boy's father endorses this unrealistic way of helping everyone come down to earth and it doesn't. None of the student body really learns anything. Regardless, the whole movie encourages bullying.
One particularly unrealistic detail to me was when a supporting character's actions result in him being arrested and put on the child sex-offender list for life, but he gets the girl so "it was totally worth it". That's not an appropriate mindset to encourage. Also, don't get me started on the father of the main character hitting on the girl. The ending for the boy is somewhat hopeful, and I'm glad they did not make him give up his future for a girl. That is probably the only redeeming factor.
I think this movie would be incredibly toxic to kids who are currently in high school and it is frustrating if you're out of it. The idea that bullying/revenge is okay ("make them feel how we did all of high school") when it comes from the underdog is a horrible idea to plant. The boy's father endorses this unrealistic way of helping everyone come down to earth and it doesn't. None of the student body really learns anything. Regardless, the whole movie encourages bullying.
One particularly unrealistic detail to me was when a supporting character's actions result in him being arrested and put on the child sex-offender list for life, but he gets the girl so "it was totally worth it". That's not an appropriate mindset to encourage. Also, don't get me started on the father of the main character hitting on the girl. The ending for the boy is somewhat hopeful, and I'm glad they did not make him give up his future for a girl. That is probably the only redeeming factor.