After three parents discover that their daughters’ have a plan to lose their virginity on the night of prom they spring into action to put a stop to it. Lisa (played by Lesley Mann) and Mitchell (played by John Cena) want to prevent this while Hunter (played by Ike Barinholtz) acts as saboteur as he does not want to stop what could be the best night of his daughter’s life. A motley crew if ever there was one. That is pretty much all there is to the flimsy story here. What ensues is pretty much another go around of generational clash.
Sexual politics has become a hot button of late. This comedy tries to put a laugh filled spin on what is a serious issue. What will eventually win you over about this awkward at times comedy is the fact that it does not take itself too serious while knowing exactly what it is all about. It does not pretend to be something it isn’t.
Most comedies which have attempted to be female led have fallen into the trap of being a sexist and stereotypical as male led ones. This one is female led and pretty empowering at the same time. As empowering as a comedy can be which involves plenty of projectile vomiting.
Teens today are presented in pretty good light. Not perfect by any means, but relatively mature when it comes to sex. One of the girls knows she is gay though hasn’t figured out yet how to come out to her family. Another is really chill about the decision to lose her virginity. All, though very different, come off as well adjusted and can make decisions about who to have sex with or which college to attend. Bottom line is that they seem more able to handle what the world throws at them than their parents.
Timely social satire is the result and divulged to us in a palatable way. Nothing about society today is safe from being poked fun at from emojis, hashtags, drugs, SUVs to butt-chugging. Nothing is subtle here.
How Kay Cannon’s directorial debut handles the adult part of this equation less adeptly. The parents come off as childish, clingy, out of touch and pretty much the definition of the dreaded helicopter type. But to be fair there really would not be a film without the crazy parents.
Special Features:
- Includes a digital copy of Blockers
- Deleted Scenes
- Gag Reel
- Line-O-Rama
- Rescue Mission
- Prom Night
- The History of Sex with Ike Barinholtz
- John Cena’s Prom Survival Kit for Parents
- Chug! Chug! Chug!
- Puke-a-Palooza
- Feature Commentary by Director Kay Cannon
- Line-O-Reel
