Movie: 21 and Over
Review by Lauren
IMDB Summary: The night before his big medical school exam, a promising student celebrates his 21st birthday with his two best friends.
Review: I’ve been featuring Justin Chon on Shooting Stars Mag for years now, starting when he was starring in the Twilight films as Eric Yorkie. Therefore, I first heard about his latest project, 21 and Over, from his publicist before I ever saw trailers for the film. I knew I wanted to check it out in support of Justin, but I was even more excited once I started learning more about the movie. For one thing, it also stars Skylar Astin from Pitch Perfect (great movie!) and it’s also written by the guys who made The Hangover. Basically….that should tell you whether you will like 21 and Over or not. Have you seen The Hangover and did you like it? If yes, see this movie! If not, well, why not? If it was pure hatred for these type of films, then you won’t enjoy 21 and Over…but if you just want some different situations and/or actors, then this might still be a good one for you. Worth checking out at least.
There are some crazy antics and lots of drinking, but there is an overall plot and some “deeper” moments if you will. These are the aspects that make the movie for me. I don’t want just a party film; there has to be some substance for me, or it just feels like a waste of time after awhile. These three guys: Jeff Chang (Chon), Casey (Astin), and Miller (Miles Teller) are friends from high school but who haven’t really stayed in touch while in their college years. Now Jeff Chang is turning 21 and Miller is all about getting his friend drunk and having a great time, despite Jeff’s big medical interview the next morning. Despite all the crazy that happens during the evening, each of the guys deal with aspects of their lives that they aren’t happy with or want to change, and Casey and Miller, especially, deal with their current level of friendship.
Having seen Chon and Astin in films before, I knew I would be excited to see them in something else, but I have to commend Miles Teller for his role as Miller. He adds a lot of the humor and I love the “serious” side of his character, which shows that he wants to go out and get wasted to forget that his life isn’t going where he wants it to…or that his friends are seemingly doing better than him, leaving him behind as they get older and more successful.
Basically, 21 and Over is a younger version of The Hangover. It’s got the drunken antics, crazy humor, and interesting male bonding. It also adds a blend of seriousness concerning growing up and growing apart, which made this movie much more enjoyable for me than a 90 minute drunk fest.
I really liked The Hangover surprisingly (I didn't think I would!) so I'm definitely curious about this one now. I hadn't heard of it before. 🙂 Great review!
I haven't seen The Hangover, but this actually sounds like one I might enjoy more. I might have to watch this one with my hubby!
The Hangover was great. I am not sure this will live up to the hype, but I am hopeful. Glad you didn't find it to be too immature or annoying. Thanks for the info on the personalized books:)
Just the poster for this looks fun and awesome, and even though I wasn't really a fan of the Hangover movies, I would still see this!!
Great review, thanks for making me aware of this film!
I haven't watched the Hangover either, both don't really appeal to me, but glad you liked overall because the element of serious mixed in.
Brandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog
This sounds like such an easy to relate to film! 🙂
I was sort of meh on The Hangover – liked some parts, didn't like others – so I'm not sure this would work for me.
I don't usually watch this kind of movie, but it sounds too fun to miss! I really like the poster as well. 🙂 It's great that it's not just 90-minutes of drunkfest, and they also manage to input friendship and anxiety in the movie. Fabulous review, Lauren! 🙂
I thought the guy on this picture looked familiar! I have yet to see The Hangover, my sister has and I'm sure she'll twist my arm one day in making me give it a try too! I like films full of fun, but prefer ones with a lot of substance in them too! Glad you enjoy this Lauren! 🙂
I don't even really like dealing with drunk people in person. I'm not sure I could handle this. But maybe it's funny?
Unfortunately, I kind of HATED The Hangover. It was just so stupid. I don't know, it's tricky with me because sometimes I'll enjoy a stupid comedy (like Pineapple Express, for instance) and other times (like with The Hangover), I'll hate them. Still, I like the actors in this one, so I will probably rent it to try it out.