Disney’s “Prom” is a night to remember. The new movie from Disney studios is a positive new approach to the big night in every high schooler’s career.
Coming from the big mouse, the movie is full of clichés and predictable plotlines. However, through all of the same old story lines, Disney manages to add some good old magic to make the movie worth the money if viewers have an open mind.
The movie revolves around a few teenagers and their preparation for the big night. Disney decided to encourage the “treat prom like you’re getting married” approach and had all of the characters ask their dates to prom in lavish ways. In good fun everyone gets to take who they want, but most of the main characters struggle with their obviously life-altering decision.
The main character, Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), is a goody-two-shoes girl organizing prom until everything gets burned down in a fire and all of her work is ruined. The principal then takes “bad boy” Jesse Richter (Thomas McDonell) and assigns him to help Nova rebuild prom.
Of course, they don’t get along because Jesse rides a mo-ped and has left school early a few times, (I know you’re trembling in your seats) and Nova wants to go to some prestigious college.
The plotline is generic, but Disney manages to add some fun through side plotlines, and they were not afraid to swim in murky water.
To my knowledge this was the first PG Disney movie I’ve seen where a character cursed or cheated on a girl. Additionally, Disney was good at sneaking things over the kids’ heads. There was a pothead character, and some jokes that made the movie secretly humorous.
Like many other of children’s movies, “Prom” is what you make it. Sure, it follows the general plotline and the twists and turns you would always expect, but if approached with an open mind, the movie is rather enjoyable.
I would suggest not seeing it for full price at night, but definitely see it for a matinee price during the day. It’s got its share of laughs and moments to leave you happy with paying your six to eight dollars.
Ryan Selvy is a Design Editor for “The Patriot” and jcpatiot.com.