Review - Prom

Boys, Girls and Prom – Who Will You Ask?


Prom, I remember it well. Deana and I danced, yes I danced! The song was Open Arms by Journey and the…ok, enough about me! The new film from Walt Disney Pictures tries to take on one of the most stressful times in high school, and the most expensive date that will ever happen, Prom.

Nova (Aimee Teegarden) is planning the prom. She is in charge of the prom committee and is just hoping that special guy will ask her. She’s on a path to greatness. She’s a good student, loves being involved in creating the perfect night, and is on her way to Georgetown after her Senior Prom. But there will be challenges that will come before her, it is high school of course.


There will be relationships on the brink, new relationships that start to bloom and that bad boy, in this case Jesse (Thomas McDonell) may be just misunderstood. All the drama of a normal high school will face these kids that are ready for their prom. Will couples stay together or break apart? Check it out as we get ready for the prom.


I was a little scared to think of a PG rated prom film, but this actually worked. It focuses on the asking and the relationships that are going on as the prom approaches. The focus is on friendships that are starting and those that are dissolving. Focusing on the top level of these relationships keeps the film from going to naughty places, and that is a good thing.


The young cast is a mix of those who look like they “could” be in high school and those who clearly are older than their character. It is reminiscent of early 90210 classes that had the same makeup.


Unfortunately, instead of a quick and breezy 85 or 90 minute film this clock in just under 1 hour and 45 minutes and goes on a bit too long. There are some things that work and will resonate and some that don’t and won’t. But that’s the good thing about a film like this, it doesn’t have to work all the time.


The preteens and early teens will love this film, it’s not for me, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a place. Parents this is a safe film about high school trials and tribulations, and it an environment where that usually doesn’t happen it’s a welcome change. Now, what happens Post Prom…oh wait…I think I’ve just created the sequel!


C+


Prom
Walt Disney Pictures


Director: Joe Nussbaum
Cast: Aimee Teegarden, Thomas McDonell, DeVaughn Nixon, Danielle Campbell


Rating: PG for mild language and a brief fight.
Runtime: 1 hour and 43 minutes