If you’re anything like me, you’re probably spending your summer vacay on the couch, surfing the internet, looking for something to do. (As if reading my blog every week wasn’t entertaining enough!) For those of you in the same situation, I write this week with a recommendation. Instead of spending all of your time sunning at the pool, give your skin a break and seek the refuge of an air-conditioned movie theater. No, I’m not suggesting you see Batman; that would be too obvious and I’m sure you’re already bursting at the seams like the rest of the world to go to that one. Instead I am recommending something a little off the beaten path: a documentary.

Last week, Alex and I had the privilege of attending a movie screening at NY’s SoHo House (can anyone guess the corresponding Sex and the City moment?) of American Teen. To tell you the truth, at first I wasn’t sure if I was more excited about the movie or the free hors d’oeuvres. While the mini cheeseburgers and crudités didn’t disappoint, the movie ended up being pretty awesome.

American Teen follows a group of high school seniors through their last year of school and documents all the trials and tribulations that ensue: getting into college, breaking up with your first love, the pressure to be the star athlete, embracing your nerdy side…you know the drill. While this may not seem like a formula for mega entertainment, a constant flow of one-liners kept me grinning throughout the show. I’m not sure if the kids meant to be funny, but the film allows you to laugh at all those things that you couldn’t if it were happening to you. For instance, if you were in the midst of an uncomfortable, public breakup, you’d probably be mortified. But seeing it on-screen you can’t help but laugh at the sheer awkwardness of the situation. Plus, nothing beats a good ol’ retaliatory toilet papering of your archenemy’s house and scandalous gossip! We’ve all been in similar situations, and after the fact we can appreciate the humor since we’ve survived. For graduates like me, the movie was a complete walk down memory lane.

While some of the dialogue and subject matter may be a little mature for our youngest readers, I highly recommend American Teen. There’s just something cool about being able to relive high school without enduring the bad fashion choices and BFF drama. Flock to theaters this August to see it.

xoxo,

Becca

rdolan@americancheerleader.com