Fun Size

Fun Size released in 2012 is a lighthearted combination of teenage comedy, adventure, romance, and family drama, perfect for fans of American sitcoms and family comedies. Directed by Josh Schwartz of "The O.C." and "Gossip girl" fame, this movie shines in the genre of comedic coming-of-age narratives with a Halloween twist.

The movie primarily revolves around the young, smart, and attractive high school senior Wren, played by Victoria Justice, who is known for her role in the Nickelodeon series "Victorious." She is characterized as the typical teenager set in a suburban backdrop, dealing with common issues of young love, peer pressure, high school popularity, as well as coping with the loss of her father. Her performance is truly a testament to the versatile acting skills she has honed through her television work.

Johnny Knoxville, famous for his adrenaline-filled, daredevil stints in the 'Jackass' series, brings his signature humor to his role in Fun Size. He plays a villainous character, where the comedy arises from his interactions with the rest of the cast. This role is a twist from his typical typecast as he plays the antagonist rather than the joker.

Chelsea Handler, a well-known comedian and talk show host, plays Joy, Wren's single mother. After the death of her husband, Joy begins to behave more like a carefree teenager herself than a mother, much to the perturbation of her elder daughter. Her character isn't just about laughs, though, her portrayal also gives subtle insights into how different people cope with grief and how sometimes adults forget to be adults in their quests to reclaim their past.

On the Halloween night, the plot begins to unfold when Wren's annoying little brother Albert, who hasn't spoken a word since their father's death, disappears while trick-or-treating. Set against the backdrop of Cleveland suburbia cloaked in the spirit of Halloween, Wren sets off a harrowing yet hilarious rescue mission accompanied by her two best friends and her long-time crush.

What starts as a frantic mission to locate Albert takes a wild turn as Wren and her gang encounter an array of eccentric characters constituting of a convenience store chicken, a man in a Spiderman suit, unruly children running amuck, and a large party thrown by the most popular kid in the school.

This romp through the Halloween-decorated town is filled with slapstick humor, wild teen parties, and unexpected moments that test and reinforce the bond between the friends, and transform their lives. All the while, Wren’s mother Joy embarked on her adventure with her much younger boyfriend.

One of the highlights of Fun Size is its real and relatable characters. There are the protagonists living each day missing a family member, friends who stay despite embarrassing incidents, a mother who is dealing with loss in her way, and the silent little brother who might be the wisest of them all. It’s their quirks, reactions, and happenings that help in setting the right atmosphere for the movie, making it enjoyable and relatable.

The film also beautifully captures the spirit of Halloween, the joy, energy, spookiness, and everything that accompanies it creates an integral backdrop to the narrative, adding to the visual appeal of the movie. From the Halloween costumes to the unique tradition of Trick or Treating, there's a strong dose of nostalgia and excitement imbued in the storytelling.

The witty one-liners, excellent comic timing, high school romance, and fun-filled adventure all make Fun Size entertaining while playfully addressing issues such as loss, coping with grief, and familial bonds. It's a rollercoaster ride packed with plenty of laughs and a few poignant moments that deepen the overall plot.

The film, however, isn't just about laughs and fun. It hints at the theme of maturity and growth throughout, whether it be Wren recognizing the importance of family over high school popularity, or Joy realizing her responsibility as a mother over her pursuit of youth.

Overall, Fun Size is a movie that you can enjoy with the whole family, whether you're seeking laughter, love, or simply a journey back to the energy of your teenage years. It's a warm, humorous, and spirited adventure rolled into one film, with a few sentimental scenes that pull at your heartstrings. If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly movie with a bit of an edge, then Fun Size is a must-watch.