Review: Make A Date With Disney's 'Prom'

By Michael Lopez

It’s hard to think of two movies that are more different than Fast Five and Prom. Yet both will be battling it out for the top slot at the box office this weekend. And interestingly, with its eccentric cast, charming storyline, and upbeat message, it’s the heartwarming teen flick that may just be the better bet.

Though comparisons will undoubtedly be made to Disney’s High School Musical, Prom does stand out as a unique and original film (which is more than you can say for Fast Five). Almost working as a throwback to the offbeat teen comedies of the 1980’s, this movie has no over-the-top dance numbers, no exaggerated clichés, and no Efron-esque pretty boys singing into a microphone.

Instead, Prom revolves around 14 very different and very engaging leads, all of whom have at least one trait we can identify with. Scream 4’s Aimee Teegarden stars as Nova, the overachiever who soon learns that there’s more to life than textbooks. Newcomer Thomas McDonell leaves a memorable impression as her prom crush Jesse, a rebellious character who could have easily come off as a motorcycle riding stereotype, but doesn’t.

Though most teen rom coms would leave it at that and just focus on the Nova/Jesse relationship, Prom takes things a little further. It gives just as much screen time to characters like Lloyd, the lovable loser desperate for a date, and Ali (played by Tr3s fave Janelle Ortiz) the gossipy girl who may or may not have a "thing" for surfer dude Rolo.

There is also the two-faced jock, the sensitive new girl, the troubled prom queen, and many more (including a hilarious Raini Rodriguez as fast-talking Tess). And though you probably won’t recognize most of the actors in Prom, that actually works in the movie’s favor. There are no 30-year-olds playing high school students here. Each fresh face brings with it a level of authenticity, particularly since you can't identify these actors with characters they’ve played in the past.

What also works well about this movie is its timeless, universal appeal. No matter when you graduated, it's still easy to relate to the anxiety, camaraderie, and utter joy of that one special night. Prom encapsulates the high school dance experience vividly and mixes in plenty of comedy, love, and quirkiness to keep things interesting.

Bottom line: If you have fond memories of high school then Prom is a great way to relive them. Though it’s definitely more of a female-centric movie, there are plenty of moments guys will get a laugh out of too. So if you’re looking for a date night compromise this weekend, Prom's the perfect choice!

Are planning on seeing Prom this weekend? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Aimee Teegarden, Disney, Hot Stuff, Janelle Ortiz, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás, Prom, Raini Rodriguez, Thomas McDonell