Smartass

Smartass is a comedy-drama film released in 2017 that features a talented cast including Joey King, Luke Pasqualino, and Yvette Nicole Brown. Directed by Jena Serbu, the movie is a coming-of-age story that follows the life of a rebellious teenage girl, Freddie, who confronts her mother's new boyfriend after he berates her for the way she dresses.

The plot is centered on Freddie’s uphill battle to adjust to life with her mother’s new boyfriend, Pete. Freddie is upset about her father’s death, and the new man in her mom’s life was just getting in the way. However, the situation gets complicated when Pete turns out to be much worse than she initially thought. Notably, Pete, as portrayed by Pasqualino, is a brilliantly crafted character that adds intrigue to the plot, given that he is a charming, albeit manipulative man with dirty secrets to hide.

Freddie, played by King, on the other hand, is perhaps the most relatable character in the entire movie. Her penchant for sarcasm, coupled with her smart mouth, ensures that she is always in trouble with her mother and sister. Despite being a rebel, Freddie is a fiercely independent and resourceful young woman, but she is also vulnerable, confused, and lonely, making her an incredibly complex character to watch evolve.

The movie is a brilliant amalgamation of comedy and drama. It is entertaining, with many laugh-out-loud moments, but at the same time, it tackles some thought-provoking issues that are crucial to the film’s overall theme. It does an excellent job of tackling the challenges that teenagers face today, from body shaming to the constant and instant social media pressure to fit in. With a heavy dose of dark humor about society and some compelling performances from the cast, the movie keeps viewers glued to their screens.

A particular scene that stands out in Smartass is the hilarious moment when Freddie goes to great lengths to embarrass her mother’s new boyfriend during dinner. She does this by pranking him with laxatives, and the outcome is both awkward and hysterical. The entire scene will have viewers laughing helplessly.

Moreover, the movie discusses pertinent social issues such as grief, depression, and mental illness, all the while showcasing Freddie's journey of self-discovery. It highlights how grief can turn into anger, as evidenced in Freddie's behavior towards her mother's boyfriend. As the story progresses, audiences witness Freddie coming to terms with her anger and learning to express it in a more positive way.

Smartass also portrays how the trends and pressures of social media can take its toll on young people. Freddie's younger sister Annabel, played by Audrey Whitby, is obsessed with her online presence, and Freddie is initially dismissive of it, until confronting the negatives of social media by firsthand experience. The movie emphasizes the importance of being self-realized and independent, with Freddie learning to ignore disapproval and criticism from the people around her.

Overall, Smartass is an impressive movie that will keep audiences entertained throughout. It offers a unique blend of comedy and drama and showcases a remarkable performance by the entire cast. Luke Pasqualino, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Joey King are at their best in this movie, delivering a powerful performance that is both comical and heartfelt. Therefore, Smartass is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story that touches on societal issues with wit and humor.