Review #4: Struck by Lightning

             Struck by Lightning, directed by Brian Dannelly, is a sad, hilarious, and genuine coming of age tale that sheds light on the hell that is high school in ways other high school based films do not.  Written by and starring Glee’s multi-talented Chris Colfer, the film offers a true look into the woes of a determined 18 year old trying to navigate his way through his senior year.  His only wish is to be successful in the real world, but he finds that hard to accomplish when surrounded by other students who treat high school like the best days of their lives.

            At the start of the film, we see Carson Phillips (Colfer) walking to his car and being suddenly struck by lightning and killed, as papers fly all around him.  This is somewhat jolting to the viewer, but it appropriately sets the stage for the rest of the film.  High school sucks, but sometimes extreme measures must be taken to survive.

            Colfer, who originally wrote the screenplay when he was only 18, provides us with a solid and well-written story.  He also provides us with a solid performance that proves he can be more than a flamboyant musical theater kid.  The character he wrote for himself must deal with his parents’ divorce, getting into college, ignoring the petty mentalities of other students, and rising above the incompetent staff that dictate which activities students are allowed to participate. The lazy staff members like the painfully inept guidance counselor, portrayed by Angela Kinsey, and a stoned principal, are mastered by their respective actors.

Ambitious Carson wants to create a school literary magazine so that he can have that one extra something on his resume for college.  He has applied to Northwestern University, but is left wondering whether or not he has done enough to be accepted.  With the help of his ever-entertaining friend Malerie, played brilliantly by Rebel Wilson, he is able to blackmail the leaders of every stereotypical social group into being involved with the magazine.  The goal is that other students around the school will want to read the magazine because it contains work by all the “important” kids, at least in their respective cliques.

Allison Janney portrays my favorite character of the film.  As Carson’s mother, Sheryl Phillips, she has sunk down into the deepest hole following her split from Carson’s dad, Neal Phillips (Dermot Mulroney).  She must also deal with her ailing mother.  Janney really took her role and ran with it.  She offers both comedy and drama, and brings to life a very real character with more flaws than imaginable.  If nothing else, the makeup and wardrobe department had a field day making Janney look like the epitome of lazy trash.  This attention to detail helps give the film its already very authentic feel.  I never found myself wanting more from any of the major characters.  Colfer did a stellar job at giving the Phillips family depth and emotion.

Some aspects of the film can come off as a bit silly, however.  The whole idea that someone could just be spontaneously struck by lightning and die might be overboard for some films, but it works for this one.  The film is not meant to tell a true or even realistic story.  The whole purpose is just to bring light to the issues that plague regular people: fitting in and finding your own place in the world.  The concept of blackmailing other students into submission also seems rather juvenile, but again, it works.  I found it to be a perfect addition to the story.  The whole student culture of high school with cliques and social strata is silly anyway, so an even sillier exaggeration just seems to work.

I take the film seriously, despite the blackmailing and somewhat insane death scene.  Colfer understood the story he was telling.  This film does not hide behind sappy love stories, potty humor, and forced sarcasm.  It is serious with smart dialogue and natural comedy.  A major comedic force in the film is Rebel Wilson.  Her one-liners steal the show and had me laughing all the way through.  The film is not meant to be overly dramatic or artistic.  The whole point is to get the major message across clearly: try to defy social pressures to make the most out of life because it could end in an instant.  Though this seems like such a simple message, in the context of this film, it really speaks to the everyday issues faced by so many, not just those suffering through high school.

           

Directed by: Brian Dannelly

Written by: Chris Colfer

Produced by: Rob Aguire, Mia Chang, David Permut

Cast: Chris Colfer, Christina Hendricks, Sarah Hyland, Dermot Mulroney, Rebel Wilson, Allison Janney, Matt Prokop, Allie Grant, Carter Jenkins, Polly Bergen

Running time: 90 minutes