DETENTION (2012)

Directed By: Joseph Kahn Written By: Joseph Kahn & Mark Palermo Cinematography By: Christopher Probst Editor: David Blackburn Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Dane Cook, Spencer Locke, Shayne Caswell, Parker Bagley This comedy/horror movie is about a group of teens who go to Grizzly Lake High School. When one of their class mates is killed by someone dressed up as 'Cinderhella' (a character from a popular horror movie) they are all under suspicion. But when they all get detention, they try to work out who it is I will admit I have been waiting for this film. I first heard about it online then the reviews came pouring in that wouldn’t exactly reveal what the film was about, Only that it was a crazy film. I’m sure that star Josh Hutcherson’s newfound fame as part of THE HUNGER GAMES Films also helped fuel it’s release finally. Even though he was a respectable child actor in films such as BRIDGE TO TEREBITIHIA and CIRQUE DU FREAK: THE VAMPIRE’S ASSISTANT. This is a film that is hard to categorize not exactly satire though it seems to aim at different targets. Not exactly spoof though it has the hallmarks of one but never specifically taking aim at any specific titles. So it ends up being just a comedy. That has a loose plot that at different times is a horror film, coming of age film, Straight up comedy. That is loose in structure and is kind of experimental. Though while following some of the convictions of the films they apparently are inspired by. Everything about this film tries to be ironic or post ironic. Of course since the film is made by director music video Joseph Kahn whose previous film TORQUE had the same style which seems to literally be all about style and little else story seems to only be around to support whatever visual ideas he has if only he could find the right textured script to go along with them. He co-wrote the script of this film which actually has a saving grace that is it’s style as long as you go into the film knowing it’s not that deep and is all over the place. You might actually enjoy it as long as you let yourself be taken in by it’s insanity. It’s usually over the top and random. Which are it’s strengths and it’s weaknesses The film makes no apologies for it’s skewered nature, you have to kind of admire that. IF it was a stronger film of course it could be better, but it’s ok the way it is. There is no way of predicting what will happen next as there seem to be no rules at all in this film’s universe. It’s fast paced filled with pop culture references and jokes and reminds you of bits of other films like DONNIE DARKO, TIME CRIMES, THE FLY, SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD, KABOOM, NOWHERE. while claiming it’s own identity I can honestly say i have never seen a film like this and doubt I will ever see one like it again. So I give it points for originality. Though to tell you the truth the film reminded of the work of Greg Araki (THE DOOM GENERATION, MYSTERIOUS SKIN) whose films usually revolve around teenage life brightly colored backgrounds yet nihilistic hearts. This film is a bit more fun and up while having a tilted eyebrow and cynical nature. Yet this film is a lot less emotional then some of Araki’s films tend to be in the end. I wasn’t bored as the scheme of the film seems to be throw out the rules throw what you want at the screen see what sticks if it does great if not we can act like it never came up in the first place. The film can be gross but it’s visuals are tight. It does fetishize 90’s fashion and culture as well as modern day trends. The 90’s references give the film a soft spot in my heart. Since that was the generation and decade I came of age in. I have to say at first I was thrown off but as it went on I actually go into it, As much as one can this is definitely a high energy midnight extravaganza which is what I believe it’s aim is to be. Unfortunately when you aim to be something it becomes too obvious and will not hit the exact target. The film flies by so quick if it’s not your cup of tea it ends soon. If you dig it it’s not long enough though I’m not sure how much longer this mindbender could have you going along without a break. The film explores trends and modern teenage life as a ingredient in it’s tale. It’s a perfect mtv movie with it’s quick cuts and ill use of logic with a photogenic young cast trying to make fun of itself while falling into the same trappings it seeks to skewer, but it knows it’s falling into them. This feels less like a film and more like a project or thesis that keeps folding in on itself Even With Dance Cook the film is funny and enteraining. I would recommend but beware this is a wild ride. I know i'm probably giving it to good a grade but it was the pick me up i needed. GRADE: B