Rarely can a movie tweak as many of my hormone induced adolescent funny bones than the new documentary-esque Project X, which hit theatres March 12, 2012. The movie is directed by Nima Nourizadeh and produced by Tom Phillips who directed The Hangover, and definitely has some similar characteristics– basically the complete and utter chaos of events spinning completely out of control. In contrast to The Hangover, however, this chaos is more for the high school age, versus the late 20’s early 30’s.
It all begins with three high school seniors looking to throw the biggest birthday bash of the year. Thomas (Thomas Mann), Costa (Oliver Cooper), and JB (Jonathan Daniel Brown) decide to take advantage of Thomas’ parents being out of town on his 18 birthday and plan a party in his beautiful house with “50 people tops– just enough to be cool.” Little did he know that in a mere four hours, over 1500 people would be in his house, around his house and in his yard. Essentially, disregarding the love interest subplot, the storyline ends there. The audience simply watches the chaos unravel.
A key part in making this film speak to teenagers is how it is supposed to seem like a documentary. The three friends hire a school mate to film the events of the night. Dax, played by Dax Flame, is a black leather clad gothic looking fellow whom the audience only gets a glimpse of once. The two other things we know about him is that he lives alone and doesn’t drink alcohol. He simply follows the main characters around films the events of the night.
Several cast members also carry around flip cameras, so for example Thomas begging for forgiveness in the bathroom after a midget drives his dad’s Mercedes into the pool is captured on camera. Two hired security guards, who appear to be about 13, also carry flip cameras.
Although the madness could not all be contrived, most of the general plot line was obviously planned. The main clue adding to that conclusion is the number of hot girls at the party– if it was a real high school party, thrown by three guys of abysmal social status, there wouldn’t nearly be as many.
Project X is a blast to watch. It tickles the rebellious, reckless side of me that I assume will go away as I get older. For that reason, I don’t recommend this movie if you are older than 30.
However, if the thought of loud music, flashing lights and utter chaos is pleasing to you, (meaning you fit the young adult demographic) this movie is sure to please. As the tag line states: “dreams are ruined, records are blemished and legends are born.”
Walking out of the movie, I guarantee the first thought in everyone’s head is “I HAVE to go to a party like that.”
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