'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.

Set to release this Friday “I Love You Beth Cooper” is about a nerdy valedictorian who proclaims his love for the hottest and most popular girl in school – Beth Cooper (Hayden Panettiere) – 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.

If you liked Heroes, or you just like Hayden, then I’m sure you’ve been waiting for this movie as long as I have. There were rumors that she would be showing some skin, but apparently there is a full blown nude scene in the movie. *drool face*

The movie also has Paul Rust who is also in the upcoming “Inglourious Basterds” and last years “Semi Pro”. The cast also includes Jack Carpenter, Lauren London and Lauren Storm.

Check out the Vids

Anyway. Tons of new “I Love You Beth Cooper” videos have been released to the internet, and we’ve got them all right here on MovieSet.  So here is a couple of the 12+ videos we have from the movie on our site now. Make sure and check out ALL the vids, news and pictures at the I Love You Beth Cooper Sitelet.

Video #1 is Hayden and Paul Rust playing “Lights Out”

Video #2 is Hayden hitting Paul Rust with her car!

Don’t forget to check out the other 10 videos at the sitelet!

July 1st

Public Enemies

What is it? The bullet-riddled story of the FBI’s struggle to take down cult hero bank robbers John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd in the early ‘30s.

Who’s in it? Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Channing Tatum, Leelee Sobieski, Billy Crudup, Giovanni Ribisi, Stephen Graham

Why it just might be the best movie ever: Depp and Bale in the same movie? What, was Jesus not available too?

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: In the highly unlikely circumstances that Miami Vice was the end of the beginning for Mann, it’s a remote possibility. But let’s hope he already got the bad one out of his system.

The reality: Mann paired Pacino and DeNiro a decade ago on Heat and the result was magic, plus one of the greatest shootouts ever witnessed on screen. Hopes are high for this one, a rare treat of strong credibility in the fluff-filled summer movie season.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

What is it? The Ice Age characters return for a third adventure with the added ingredient of dinosaurs.

Who’s in it? The voices of Ray Romano, Denis Leary, Simon Pegg, John Leguizamo, Seann William Scott, Queen Latifah

Why it just might be the best movie ever: If you already love the Ice Age series, how could a new one with dinos possibly be anything but amazing?

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Been there, done that. Is Scrat and his endless acorn pursuit still funny?

The reality: Another entertaining Fox animated comedy to pass the time until the next Pixar release.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

July 10th

Bruno

What is it? Baron Cohen follows Borat with Bruno, a gay Austrian fashionista who comes to America for the express purpose of making people uncomfortable sexually.

Who’s in it? Sacha Baron Cohen

Why it just might be the best movie ever: The trailer is hysterical and Borat was a comedy masterwork.

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: If you’re turned off by inappropriate humor and mean-spirited pranks, take a pass.

The reality: Should be a blast for anyone who gets and enjoys Baron Cohen’s unique brand of twisted humor.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

I Love You Beth Cooper

What is it? A nerdy high school valedictorian proclaims his love for the hottest girl in school so she decides to give him one unforgettable night.

Who’s in it? Hayden Panettierre, Paul Rust, Alan Ruck

Why it just might be the best movie ever: Its an ‘80s movie set in the present! What’s not to like?

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: This concept has been done to death.

The reality: Christopher Columbus returns to his ‘80s roots. Can he still relate to the new generation?

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

July 15th

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

What is it? Harry Potter returns for his sixth year at Hogwarts.

Who’s in it? Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter, Jim Broadbent

Why it just might be the best movie ever: The book is a favorite for many fans of the series.

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Rumors persist that delays were due to problems with the production.

The reality: Should entertain the massive loyal fan base, make a ton of cash and set the stage for the final films.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

July 24th

All Good Things

What is it? A mystery set in the ‘80s about a real estate agent whose lover vanishes and the detective who taps into the deadly mystery behind her disappearance.

Who’s in it? Kirsten Dunst, Ryan Gosling, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Frank Langella

Why it just might be the best movie ever: Director Andrew Jarecki’s Capturing the Freedman’s was one of the more emotionally riveting documentaries ever made. If he can translate half of that tension and angst to this thriller, it should keep audiences glued to their seats.

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Dunst and Gosling’s work has been inconsistent and the story feels a bit too familiar.

The reality: Could be one of summer’s sleeper hits.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

G-force

What is it? A 3-D family comedy about secret agent guinea pigs.

Who’s in it? The voices of Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Penelope Cruz, Will Arnett, Jon Favreau

Why it just might be the best movie ever: You are the charter member of the Guinea Pig Lover’s Association of America and have been tirelessly fighting for years to see these cuddly fur balls receive their just do on the silver screen.

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: It’s about secret agent guinea pigs.

The reality: Kids will love it and their parents will get a 90-minute nap.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

The Orphan

What is it? The Omen with a girl.

Who’s in it? Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, CCH Pounder, Isabelle Fuhrman

Why it just might be the best movie ever: You always loved The Omen, but wished Damien was a girl.

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: A dull cast and the director of the listless House of Wax.

The reality: A toss-off summer thriller that might at least score some unintentional laughs.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

The Ugly Truth

What is it? A morning show producer is put up to a series of tests by her chauvinist correspondent.

Who’s in it? Gerard Butler, Katherine Heigl, Kevin Connolly, Cheryl Hines

Why it just might be the best movie ever: I don’t know, sounds pretty daring and original to me.

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: The plot sounds like it was spat out of a rom com generating machine.

The reality: Heigl and Butler are likable enough and easy on the eyes.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

July 31st

Funny People

What is it? Judd Apatow returns to the director’s chair in this story of a terminally ill comedian who takes an up-and-comer under his wing.

Who’s in it? Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Jonah Hill, Eric Bana

Why it just might be the best movie ever: Sandler is great on the rare occasion he works with a strong director and its hard to imagine a better suitor than Apatow.

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Apatow’s hot streak has to end some time.

The reality: Looks like a lot of fun and the trailer is great. Chances are good it will live up to the strong precedent set by Knocked Up and 40 Year-Old Virgin.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

Aliens in the Attic

What is it? A family heads to their Maine vacation home to find an alien has taken up residence.

Who’s in it? Robert Hoffman, Ashley Tisdale, Carter Jenkins, Gillian Vigman, Tim Meadows, Kevin Nealon

Why it just might be the best movie ever: There’s always room for a summer surprise.

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Anyone remember Mac and Me or am I dating myself?

The reality: This one doesn’t look too great, but hopefully you can send the kids while you get dinner.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!