Prom Dates: A smart, funny film that will make you think of your youth (2024)

When we think back to our childhood, we clearly remember the promises we made to our best friend. We had big plans in life and many things we wanted to achieve. We didn't have a prom pact, but maybe we should have. Maybe then prom wouldn't be a moment in life that either of us wants to forget.

Bad dates, bad clothes, bad music… there's so much to be angry about. Other than that, it's fine. That's okay, because prom is a right of passage, especially here in the States. Do you know what else is a right of passage? Falling in love with a movie because it's so laugh-out-loud funny it makes your stomach hurt.

This is how we think about prom dates.

We know, we know – it's been a week since it came out. This writer was sick, I didn't have a chance to sit down and write down all my thoughts on the film. But being sick I re-watched it four times because it makes you laugh.

Laughter is always necessary.

And hey, this film definitely brings the viewer nothing but just that – joy. Prom dates is a niche, but a niche isn't a bad thing. It forms an impressive pawn in the checkerboard of teen films, taking big turns in comedic sequences, but somehow it works. It's a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, and we're reminded that we shouldn't take it too seriously either.

We should just have a good time.

Prom dates seemed to want to take advantage of the publicity that comes from choosing actors from different fan bases and believe that this will influence who sees the film. If we are honest: yes. But the days of The CW are over and we don't always want the same person in this genre. The reason we bring this up is because we don't want everyone to be cast like that. It's hit or miss and it doesn't always work.

However, when it comes to that Prom dates, it does. The problem for me wasn't the film. It was because of the marketing of the film. It felt like there weren't any. If you have Antonia Gentry (Ginny and Georgia), Jordan Buhat (Adult), Julia Lester (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Kenny Ridwan (The Goldbergs), Terry Hu (I have never), Zion Moreno (gossip Girl) and Emery Kelly (Alexa & Kate). There is even Saved by the bell reboots John Michael Higgins as headmaster. It's like a who's who of actors at the time.

Not to mention that Prom dates has a great script. It's something that's fun and relatable. It's a script that shows the potential of some of the situations in the film that actually play out.

Jess and Hannah are polar opposites, but they are best friends. They made a pact a long time ago that they would (basically) have the best prom. However, it seems more like something Jess wants than Hannah wants. Both are in the process of finding out who they are.

And the night before prom, everything goes haywire. Jess realizes that her boyfriend is cheating on her (she ignored all of his warning signs, and there are a lot of them). Hannah finds out that her boyfriend has changed colleges to be near her. Everything is overwhelming for the two of them, but the two will keep the pact at all costs.

What follows is a night that is absolutely crazy for a high school senior. The two are on a journey of growth, self-discovery and determining their priorities in life. It's not something anyone, no matter their age, has to go through, but here are these two – they have to deal with their secrets and lies.

Yes, a lot of lies follow from that, but they are teenagers. They are lies to others, to each other, but above all to themselves. It is the right to end a great fight between the two that changes everything they are. The struggle allows them to confront the things they should have been honest about.

Let's be honest: we don't take films like this that seriously. We see them for what they are – a good escape. Hannah and Jess are not perfect characters. In fact, they are flawed. All characters are. But that's exactly what makes films like this a perfect viewing object. We all have flaws, and seeing that makes people feel less alone.

We also get the opportunity to see some profound moments about honesty and communication. We all keep our secrets and we all have moments when we have to come to terms with who we are and who we let people think we are. There are moments of great upheaval in this film – comedy mixed with realism.

But it's also the case that Jess and Hannah end up putting themselves first, which is difficult at any age. It's proof to young girls out there (heck, women of all ages) that they don't need anyone to define them. You define yourself.

Prom dates is a good time. It's hilarious and appeals to all types of humor. Take it for what it is, a comedy, and you'll have a good time.