Orange County directed by Jake Kasdan; released in 2002

I have a secret love for american teen coming-of-ago comedies and ‘Orange County’ happily, does not disappoint. It tells the story of Shaun Brumber (Colin Hanks), a young aspiring writer who wants to fulfil his dream of attending the prestigious Stanford University so he can work with his hero Martin Skinner (played in a great cameo by Kevin Kline). Jake Kasdan, who is now more famous for his film Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, is able to direct a great cast, with a stand out performance from Jack Black, Shaun’s druggie older brother. Each scene where he is involved contains laugh out loud humour and you are drawn into his quirky personality and lack of care for the world. From the writer of School of Rock, this is a real feel good film, which contains many themes during its short 79 minute duration; such as, love, family relationships, the need for success and the confusing nature of growing up. Every time I watch this film, I remember why it is so good, this is because it is so relevant to somebody my age (21) and my situation (Studying at University). If you aren’t in my situation it is still definitely worth a watch and I recommend it to anybody who is a fan of School of Rock and Walk Hard. There is many great cameos aswell; Mike White (Writer and also wrote School of Rock), John Lithgow (Dexter, Rise of the Planet of the Apes) and Ben Stiller.

7/10