This Is the Year

This Is the Year is a 2020 coming-of-age comedy film directed by David Henrie, who also stars in the movie alongside Vanessa Marano, Jeff Garlin, and others. The film follows a group of high school seniors who make a spontaneous decision to attend a music festival in California, hoping to find answers to their individual struggles before heading off to college.

The story centers around a boy named Josh (Lorenzo Henrie), who has been pining for his longtime crush, Aurora (Marano). After hearing about the upcoming summer music festival headlined by his favorite band, Josh convinces his best friend and class clown, Colin (Gregg Sulkin), to join him on this adventure. Along the way, they also bring Colin's girlfriend, Aubrey (Alyssa Jirrels), and Aurora's best friend, Lily (Brielle Barbusca), hoping to make the trip even more memorable.

The group sets out on a road trip, leaving their worries behind and excited for what's to come. However, they quickly run into several obstacles along the way, including a car accident and a run-in with the police. Despite these setbacks, they manage to make it to the festival, where they meet several interesting characters, including a wise-cracking vendor (Garlin) and a free-spirited musician (Jake Short).

As they navigate the festival and all of its excitement, the group members begin to confront their own issues head-on. Josh continues to pursue Aurora but struggles to find the right time to tell her how he feels. Colin, who has been hiding his fear of failing from his friends, finally admits to them his concerns about his future. Aubrey, who is dealing with her own personal issues, puts on a brave face for her loved ones. And Lily, who has always been known as Aurora's sidekick, tries to establish her own identity.

This Is the Year captures the essence of what it is like to be young and unsure of oneself, trying to figure out where one belongs in the world. It's a film about teenage friendship, discovery, and growth. The journey the characters go on throughout the movie is relatable no matter what age one is. The story is a reminder that sometimes it takes a little distance from your own life to see what is important to you and the people you surround yourself with.

The movie is well-cast, featuring a group of talented young actors who convincingly embody the struggles of their characters. Vanessa Marano and Gregg Sulkin are particular standouts, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. David Henrie, who also co-wrote the script, shines behind the camera, drawing from his own experiences growing up to create a realistic and believable world for his characters.

The film's energy is buoyed by the music and performances at the festival, which include appearances by pop stars such as Sabrina Carpenter and Loren Gray. Each of the performers brings their own unique flare to the screen, adding to the overall charm of the movie.

Overall, This Is the Year is a delightful and heartwarming film that captures the essence of youth and hopefulness. The film's themes of friendship, self-discovery, and perseverance resonate with viewers of all ages as it encourages its audience to never give up on their dreams. The story reminds us of our own teenage years and the importance of embracing the journey to find ourselves.