Orange County -- PG-13
Starring: Colin Hanks, Jack Black
Directed by: Jake Kasdan
"Orange County" is the rare teen comedy that doesn't play dumb for its youthful audience. That's not to say it's an extraordinary cinematic achievement, but unlike many flicks of its ilk, it's genuinely funny, has solid acting and boasts equal parts humanity and humor. Relatively ignored upon its release this past January (traditionally a dumping ground for Hollywood crap), "Orange County" is well worth a look now that it's on DVD.
"Orange County" is a project propelled by pedigreed Hollywood progeny if there ever was one. Director Jake Kasdan (whose previous film, "Zero Effect" is an under-appreciated gem) is the son of acclaimed writer/director Lawrence Kasdan ("The Big Chill"), and his stars, Colin Hanks and Schuyler Fisk, are the children of Tom Hanks and Sissy Spacek respectively. But this is no case of nepotism -- both performers and director come to play.
"Orange County" chronicles the frustration Shaun Brumder (Hanks) feels upon being unfairly rejected from Stanford, where he'd planned to study under Salinger-esque author Marcus Skinner (Kevin Kline) in hopes of someday becoming a writer. Consoled by his sweet, tree-hugging girlfriend Ashley (Fisk) and aided by his drug-addled older brother Lance (a hilarious Jack Black), Shaun proceeds towards Stanford in hopes of gaining the admittance he so desperately deserves. Suffice it to say, the road trip doesn't go according to plan, and havoc is wrought.
"Orange County" isn't the sort of flick that screams out for DVD purchase, with little to no special effects and a sound mix best served by the film's eclectic but predominantly modern rock soundtrack. But, that shouldn't detract collectors from purchase. The disc has a decent amount of extras including a solid commentary track by Kasdan and screenwriter Mike White, four deleted scenes, 15 interstitials (nothing more than fancy speak for commercials… but nonetheless funny) and the film's trailer.
"Orange County" is an entertaining little comedy propelled by its solid cast, which also features Catherine O'Hara ("Best in Show"), "3rd Rock From the Sun" alumnus John Lithgow, comedienne Lily Tomlin, comedic genius Harold Ramis, Chevy Chase and a cameo by Kasdan's "Zero Effect" star Ben Stiller. But ultimately the film belongs to Jack Black, who does wonders in the role of a burnout with a heart of gold. His performance alone merits purchase.
){kind=small}
