Behaving Badly

Behaving Badly is a raucous, teen comedy film released in 2014, greatly inspired by the Ric Browde's novel "While I'm Dead Feed the Dog." It features a star-studded cast, including Nat Wolff, Selena Gomez, and Mary-Louise Parker. The film’s absurd antics, chaotic plot twists, innuendo-filled dialogues and high school setting captivate audiences, supporting its designation as a guilty pleasure comedy.

The film takes us on a wild ride with the main character, Rick Stevens (Nat Wolff), a 16-year-old high school student. Rick is your average, suburban teenager with a seemingly normal existence: he goes to school, does his homework, hangs out with friends, and all the the usual. Yet, Rick does not lead a simple life. He's trapped in constant adolescent turbulence, particularly because of his strong crush on Nina Pennington (Selena Gomez), an innocent classmate and the apple of his eye.

Selena Gomez charmingly portrays Nina as a girl-next-door type, whose sweetness and charm have a profound effect on Rick. This crush, however, is far from simple, placing Rick on a chaotic path that involves a series of hilarious misadventures. Gomez propels the narrative forward with her youthful energy and sparkling on-screen presence, making Rick’s fascination with Nina quite believable and enjoyable.

Rick's life is complicated further by his socially dysfunctional family. Mary-Louise Parker does an outstanding job playing two roles. First, she portrays Rick’s alcoholic mother who constantly embarrasses him. Second, she assumes the part of a persona that Rick's mother adopts when she’s intoxicated, a character who proves to be the source of many of the movie's hilarious moments and depicting the stark contrast between the two personas masterfully.

The movie indulges in multiple storylines of increasing absurdity that seem to take Rick's life, already unpredictable and humorous, into unpredictable territories. Sagas of wrongful imprisonment, bets with a sociopathic mobster, and even flirtations with the supernatural are seamlessly woven into Rick's quest to win Nina's heart. Narrative situations are beautifully ironed out to provide a thrilling viewing experience that keeps your eyes glued to the screen.

Featuring an engaging supporting cast, including Elisabeth Shue, Dylan McDermott, and Jason Lee, Behaving Badly offers audiences much more than a tale about the shenanigans of one misfit teenager. As the characters engage in numerous complicated and hilarious situations, each character contributes valuably to the plot. Their individual dilemmas and larger-than-life personalities add color to Rick's already chaotic world, returns a constant stream of absurdly comical scenes and exchanges.

Under the relegation of Tim Garrick, the movie is a wild ride from start to finish. The audience is thrust into a whirlwind of funny situations and comedic hijinks that will keep viewers entertained and engrossed. Several of the film’s scenes utilize clever comedic setups and sharp dialogues, extending an air of charm to the incongruous situations that unfold.

Besides its comedic elements, Behaving Badly also touches on several important themes. It subtly embeds messages about teenage angst, the importance of resilience, and the unpredictably tumultuous journey of adolescence. While carrying its comic tone throughout, the film manages to effectively underline the tension and uncertainty that marks the teen years.

In conclusion, Behaving Badly is a lively comedy that offers an array of impressive performances. Its highly eccentric plot, presented through an adolescent lens, and the genuinely hilarious situations concoct an enjoyable movie experience. Its blending of absurd comedy and more serious undertones creates an entertaining blend of humor and truth — a feature that will appeal most to viewers who appreciate teen comedies with a side of unpredictability. It is a perfect pick for those who seek laughter, well-rounded performances and a bit of the unexpected, interlaced into a narrative that promises to take viewers through a roller coast of teenage misadventures.