I guess I can see why filmmakers like these large ensemble films with a bunch of little storylines going on at once. It's like shooting with a shotgun, so even if some of it misses the mark you're bound to have a hit somewhere. Sure enough I definitely connect with the one storyline that you might consider the "main" plot. Ethan Embry and his unrequited love for Jennifer Love Hewitt is just adorable, and hits a number of heartwarming beats that I enjoyed. I was so interested and invested in that story that I wish they spent more time on it. All the other stories are less successful for me. Some are OK but mostly just for comic relief while others are kind of stupid (like whatever is going on with the band.)
I'm surprised how poorly Can't Hardly Wait ages when it comes to the nerd and jock story, though. The idea that they use homosexuality as a point of shame is disappointing. I also found the nerd too stupid, and can't believe he was able to integrate into the cool crowd so quickly. One of the weird things about a film like this is that it focuses on the building of these new relationships, but it's all after the last day of school. We're watching people who likely won't see each other much (or even at all) in the future. That makes it tough to get invested in the blossoming of new love when you think it won't last. At least this is better than the similar film Dazed and Confused, because I actually cared about some of these people.
I'm surprised how poorly Can't Hardly Wait ages when it comes to the nerd and jock story, though. The idea that they use homosexuality as a point of shame is disappointing. I also found the nerd too stupid, and can't believe he was able to integrate into the cool crowd so quickly. One of the weird things about a film like this is that it focuses on the building of these new relationships, but it's all after the last day of school. We're watching people who likely won't see each other much (or even at all) in the future. That makes it tough to get invested in the blossoming of new love when you think it won't last. At least this is better than the similar film Dazed and Confused, because I actually cared about some of these people.
