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The MovieSet Review of ‘I Love You, Beth Cooper’

Posted by Quinn Bender on Friday, July 10, 2009

'I Love You, Beth Cooper', starring Hayden Panettiere and Paul Rust loses its believability by glossing over its darker, realistic under currents.

Movie: I Love You, Beth Cooper

Synopsis: I Love You Beth, Beth Cooper chronicles the story of a nerdy valedictorian (Dennis) who proclaims his love for the hottest and most popular girl in school - Beth Cooper - during his graduation speech. Much to his surprise, Beth shows up at his door that very night and decides to show him the best night of his life… while her maniac boyfriend pursues them.

Stars: Hayden Panettiere, Paul Rust, Jack Carpenter, Lauren London, Lauren Storm, Shawn Roberts.

Written by: Larry Doyle (Based on his novel)

Directed by: Chris Columbus

Distributed by: Warner Brothers

Opening on: July 10, 2009

EXPECTATIONS

Hayden Panettiere

What I’d Seen – A great poster, some fun clips and a great trailer that sets up the awkward situation right from the start. The premise is super easy to explain so I got it in one take.

What I’d Heard – I had heard that the novel on which the movie is based was much loved and a best seller. There were very high expectations for this book to screen adaptation and if anyone could do it, Chris Columbus, with his talents for working with younger actors, would be able to deliver the goods.

What I Wanted – A funny and poignant look at life in transition between high school and real life. I wanted to see how things turned out for the guy who bared his soul to the entire student body at his graduation and I wanted him to get the girl at the end!

EXPERIENCE

What Turned Me On – The premise was what grabbed my attention. I was hooked by the concept of a guy standing up and declaring his love for a girl in his graduating class and throwing caution to the wind. The situation is so extreme and something I know many of us has thought of doing at some point in our lives, I was eager to see what happens.

What Turned Me Off – Unfortunately, the list is a little longer here. I never felt like we got to know or understand who Beth Cooper really is. No time was spent with her before graduation or at her home. Therefore, she really is a very one-sided, flat character. While Hayden may be the perfect girl for the part, she was unfortunately not given much to play with in terms of character development. The rest of the movie, after the first 10 minutes or so, slows down dramatically and never really picks up any steam. There is so little tension and the chase sequences are so unreal it was hard not to laugh, and it wasn’t a good laugh. There doesn’t really seem to be a plot or a point to it all except the threat of the maniac boyfriend chasing after our group on graduation night.

AFTERMATH

I Left Thinking – How could this have been a best-selling novel? Yes, the premise is funny, but to make a movie out of it. Nothing happens… well not really… it just sort of lumbers along and you are left waiting for the next gross out joke (which is not really that gross but more cringe worthy) and checking the time when class – I mean the movie – will be out.

I Left Saying – I’m terribly disappointed. Such a great cast, such a great story… where did it go so wrong? There were parts where I could see them wanting to go along the route of an American Pie and make it a rated R comedy, but this was intended to be a  Chris Columbus/ family-friendly pic and they had to pull back. The result of which is awkward. Teens buying beer, taking condoms from the parent’s bed side table, making out with store clerks to score alcohol, crashing into cars… there is definitely a dark under current, which is glossed over so much it makes it feel like it was a rated R movie edited for TV.

Expiry Date – After a short run at the Cineplex near you, expect to see this one at the bargain theater down the street very soon. Hayden’s fans may turn up to see her, but when they can watch her on TV, they may just wait to watch this one on DVD.

Days later – I had completely forgotten about the movie and had so wished it were better.

I remember visiting the set in Vancouver last summer and I absolutely fell in love with the cast and was thrilled to have seen the shot of the microwave being thrown and Rich at Dennis by the maniac boyfriend, Kevin. It was such a blast, the energy was up, and the mood was so great on set. I really felt that they had the potential of a hit! However, when I saw the final project I was so disappointed. I am sorry, but I can’t say I love you, Beth Cooper anymore, I only just liked you and not really that much.

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