Six teenagers from diverse backgrounds - among them the school's
star basketball player - conspire to break into an SAT testing
center to steal the answers in hope of acing their exam. They
quickly realize that the answer to their problems and the key to
their happiness do not lie in achieving a perfect score.
CRITIQUE
On the front cover of the DVD it says, “The Breakfast Club
meets Ocean’s 11.” That’s not BS, it’s actually true to the
whole entire premise of the film. In other words, The Perfect
Score is a teen-flick version of the fine Ocean’s 11
remake in terms of the various scenarios, flash-forwards, and even
to the score/music. Except in Ocean’s 11 there were plot
twists that made you think and rethink the story; a very cool
thing. However, in this film, the story is predictable and clichéd
to the deepest core, it’s rather pointless and ever so corny.
Really, how many more films do we have to see kids stealing the
answers? In the case of this film, it’s not that exciting.
The Perfect Score is not all bad, a very average teen flick
at best. Teen flicks consist of over-the-top scenarios with a lot
of drama, and a coming-of-age story with heart and pop-culture
references (much like teens in reality). That’s basically what
this film foils down to, a big bag of pop-culture gags and overly
dramatic subplots. Yet those elements are not delivered well
enough or cued up as provided in The Breakfast Club, and
the film’s dialogue is not as satirical (or funny) as that of
Ferris Bueller's Day Off, 10 Things I hate About You,
or the recent Mean Girls. It’s like I said, The Perfect
Score is painfully avenge. During some instances I thought I
was watching Not Another Teen Movie all over again.
The characters are as cliché as they can get: the token black guy, the
jock, the druggie, the prom queen, the misfit, the over-achiever,
etc. Also, the characters only find out about themselves and each
other through their “adventure” together, and by the end of the film
they have a completely new outlook on life. The cast wasn’t the
greatest, a few nobody’s, a couple of “this week’s pin-up”, and a some
actual prospering actors.
The only thing that truly annoyed me about the film was the voice-over
work from Leonardo Nam (who plays Roy.) First off, his character is a
cliché druggie so he sounds stoned. Secondly, his voice is irritating
to the ears so that’s already annoying. And third, he isn’t even
entertaining. If someone else had done the voice-over work, or if
there wasn’t any of it in the film to begin with, the film could’ve
been two times better. But no such luck.
Through and through, I did enjoy The Perfect Score for the most
part, but was annoyed with a few aspects. I also didn’t feel it’s not
as strong as other, much better teen flicks.
THE VIDEO
Paramount presents The Perfect Score in 1:85 anamorphic
widescreen. Once more, this film is part of the fine “Widescreen
Collection” so perfection is guaranteed. No grain spotted from
what I could tell. Just what you would expect from a teen-flick.
THE AUDIO
Paramount presents The Perfect Score in either English
(Dolby Digital 5.1), English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround), French
(Dolby Digital 5.1). Dialogue is as clear as ever. The music is as
loud as perfection. And the few sound effects can be heard with
greatness. But I wouldn’t blast this film in stereo, it’s not
stereo material.
THE EXTRAS
An interesting but sometimes lacking commentary by director
Brian Robbins and screenwriter Mark Schwahn, some
trailers (an easy way to plug other films), and a standard
EPK-stlye "Making The Perfect Score"featurette.
Not the greatest of extras but what did you expect from this
film? A possible cast commentary would’ve been worthy to hear
though.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Perfect Score
is an average teen flick with average extras. There were a few fine
parts but nothing rare. If you want a great satirical teen flick, go
rent Better Off Dead, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, 10 Things I
Hate About You, or wait for Mean Girls. If you want a great
coming of age flick, go rent Stand By Me. If you want a
“students steal answers” flick, see Cheaters. Or if you just
want a teen flick period, rent American Pie 2, The Breakfast
Club, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, or Sixteen Candles.
Either way, there are a handful of films that are much better than
The Perfect Score.
