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Hello Cinephiles,
Today we’re talking about the 2015 film Barely Lethal.
Story
The story was clever and had some good ideas, but as a comedy it took itself too seriously.
Score: 0
Characters
It felt like the actors all got different direction. Most of the teens acted like they were in a fish out of water comedy. Samuel Jackson seemed to think he was in a spy parody, while the mom and brother were in a Disney movie. It was very discordant in tone. The dad and teacher were the worst acted, like characters from a cringe 90’s shock comedy. (Spoiler warning: their edginess was just sexism and homophobia.)
Score: 0.5
Dialogue
The dialogue was over the top and not all that funny. There were some great lines from the main character and her adoptive sister. I didn’t like that the fight between the two spies ended up with catty insults about their looks and weight. Again, the dad of the love interest and the teacher were just the worst.
Score: 0.5
Visuals and Music
The movie was well shot; the action scenes were believable and fun. The clothes and visual gags were nice.
The music was nice and did a good job with the mood.
Score: 1
Fun
I really got into the movie, despite the weird changes in tone. It was okay and most of the family liked it.
Score: 0.5
Overall
A movie that is trying a little too hard to be a spy/comedy and not really hitting the mark with either one. There are moments that are truly entertaining and the main actors are great, but the weird choices in dialogue and story just bring it down.
Final Score: 2.5 Stars out of 5
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