But the key question here is will you? ILYBC (that’s the way the hipsters do it) is based on the book written by Larry Doyle. Doyle comes with some pedigree, as he’s written for shows like The Simpsons. This is one of those rare instances when I have actually read the book. I am not the greatest reader in the world, so it’s extremely rare that a book I read ever gets made into a movie. So let’s see how the flick holds up.
The movie revolves around Denis and Beth. Denis is the nerdy valedictorian who has been madly in love with the most popular girl in school Beth. Beth doesn’t even know he exists, especially since he’s sat behind here all these years. During his valedictorian speech, Denis decides this is his only chance to tell her how he feels. So he tells the entire graduating class and their parents that he does, in fact, love Beth Cooper. The rest of the movie takes place during the ensuing night and morning.
Who can’t identify with the plot? Who hasn’t secretly harbored a crush on someone for years? It doesn’t have to be high school; it can happen at work, within friends, etc. The plot is immediately endearing, because who among us actually had the balls to do something about it? Certainly not my wussy self.
One of the strong points of the book is that it is “written like a movie”. I guess Doyle’s TV experience serves him well. And it also helps that the book is very funny. I only have two chief complaints about the book. 1) The laughs tend to tail off as the story winds down. 2) The climax seems a bit far fetched. Regardless, I was wary of seeing how the flick would compare to the book.
By and large, the movie is faithful to the book. The action really starts when Beth and her two girlfriends (they do always travel in packs) actually show up to Denis’s lame party. Rich, Denis’ movie quoting and possibly gay best friend, does his best to lighten the mood as the girls quickly grow bored. Things are quiet until, Beth’s coked up military boyfriend Kevin tracks her down. OK, let the hijinx ensue!
The rest of the movie is the 5 dodging Kevin and his military cronies. As they do, Beth and Denis reveal more about themselves. Denis isn’t who Beth thinks he is and vice versa. Yes, it’s formulaic, and yes it’s all been done before. But ILYBC maintains a certain innocence and sweetness not seen in similar type ‘teen’ movies. One scene can have you laughing, the next feeling for the characters.
The execution of the story is good. Director Chris Columbus has done similar type movies (Home Alone, Adventures in Babysitting), but it’s still at a trade off. For example, the kitchen scene above just didn’t come off as good as the book, even though the dialogue was just about the same. Conversely, the following scene with Denis fighting Kevin with a light saber came across really well. In addition, the climax was different and better-as in realistic-in the movie.
Was it worth my 10 damn dollars? Ultimately, I will say yes. I usually hate seeing comedies at the theater, there is usually little lost if you just rent it at home. I do have to say, I think this flick is worth the money. I think it appeals to most age types. It’s a relatively clean movie that teens on up can go to, but has more than enough laughs for the adults. It works as a good comedy, and a good date movie as well.
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