Booksmart
Booksmart

Booksmart

2019Movie102 minEnglish

Two academic teenage superstars realize, on the eve of their high school graduation, that they should have worked less and played more. Determined to never fall short of their peers, the girls set out on a mission to cram four years of fun into one night.

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Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic84/100
Google Users93%
Director: Olivia WildeGenres: Comedy, Drama, Teen

Plot Summary

On the eve of their high school graduation, two academic superstars and best friends realize they might have spent too much time studying and not enough time having fun. Determined to make up for lost time, they hatch a plan to cram four years of high school experiences into one wild night. Their adventure takes them through a series of hilarious and often chaotic encounters as they try to shed their studious reputations and embrace the carefree spirit of their peers.

Critical Reception

Booksmart was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its sharp writing, vibrant direction, and the chemistry between its lead actresses. Critics praised its fresh take on the teen comedy genre, its genuine heart, and its witty exploration of friendship, identity, and the pressures of adolescence. The film was celebrated for its authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and its inclusive sensibility.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its hilarious and witty script that feels both nostalgic and remarkably fresh.
  • Lauded for the brilliant performances of Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein, whose chemistry is the heart of the film.
  • Celebrated for its sharp, modern direction and its authentic, inclusive representation of teenage life.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's incredible humor and relatable characters, with many appreciating its progressive themes and the strong bond between the two protagonists. Viewers found it to be a joyous and uplifting experience that captured the essence of friendship and the awkwardness of growing up.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and multiple Independent Spirit Awards, including Best First Feature. Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever received widespread praise for their performances.

Fun Fact

Olivia Wilde's directorial debut, Booksmart, was inspired by her own feelings of regret about not having more fun in high school, a sentiment shared by many of the film's writers.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

10 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

<em>'Booksmart'</em> is a good watch! The plot does end up being something I feel like I've seen before and does get a bit too over-sentimental, though for much of the run time it is entertaining. Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein are a...
rsanek

rsanek

Decent repurposing of the _Superbad_ story. Found the main character hard to like.
Nathan

Nathan

_Booksmart_ is a hilarious coming of age story that has a surprising amount of heart. I loved everything about this film, from the raunchy jokes to the real existential fears of moving on to college. The cast is amazing, both Feldstein and ...
beyondthecineramadome

beyondthecineram...

Full review: <a>https://www.tinakakadelis.com/beyond-the-cinerama-dome/2021/12/28/one-night-only-booksmart-review<a> What makes _Booksmart_ so one of a kind is that it finally gives an honest voice to the smart girl. Not a pretentious vo...
Peter McGinn

Peter McGinn

I found this movie to be enjoyable and engaging in most ways. The script is intelligent except for one flaw, the young leads do a great job, and there is a sort of group chemistry amongst the student body. And it is witty and fun. Now, a...
tmdb15435519

tmdb15435519

I know, I know. I should love this. And yes, the good parts are really good. But the bad parts are REALLY bad. I guess I'll round up to 3 stars, just to be fair.
Manuel São Bento

Manuel São Bento

If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog :) Last year, I missed A Vigilante from Olivia Wilde, and I still haven’t watched it. Over time, I gradually lost interest, and I might have even forgotten about its exi...
Gimly

Gimly

I like the leads but I **love** the supporting cast. _Booksmart_ had me dubious. In the past couple of years beforehand, I'd heard great (and virtually identical) things about three female-led coming of age films: _Edge of Seventeen, Lad...
SWITCH.

SWITCH.

‘Booksmart’ is a fun, hilarious, and instantly and infinitely quotable film, making it a must-see for all ages and sexes. But most importantly, it’s exciting. Olivia Wilde has here proven herself to be a fantastic new voice in filmmaking, a...
Gill-Man

Gill-Man

Anybody who thinks that this is just a female <i>Superbad</i> would be wrong, because it's so much more than that. This is a film about friendship, and in some respects it feels more of the same compared to other coming-of-age films, but it...