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FILM DETAILS

Certificate 12A

Cast Colin Hanks Jack Black Shuyler Fisk Kevin Kline John Lithgow.

Directors Jake Kasdan.

Screenwriters Mike White.

Running Time 81 minutes

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Orange County
Kasdan's sure-footed approach mixes a teen farce and a morality tale.

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Plot
Californian teen Shaun discovers a cult novel on a beach and swiftly exchanges surfing for writing. When his application to prestigious Stanford University gets mistakenly rejected, he and his girlfriend head on a road trip to set things straight; but the

Review
Four years after his notable debut, Zero Effect, Jake Kasdan's second film - in the stale teen high-jinks genre - may appear a strange choice. However, with minimal gross-out quota, Kasdan's sure-footed approach mixes a teen farce and a morality tale.

Skilfully balancing comedic set-pieces with real issues, the film undulates through a screenplay that plays up the genre formula - allowing for gags worthy of the Farrelly brothers - while paying attention to Shaun and Ashley's surprisingly touching emotional trials. While Jack Black's manic (if one-note) stoner is the principal comedy sell, he is easily matched by Catherine O'Hara and John Lithgow as Shaun's demented parents (who themselves are gleefully served by Mike White's zinger-stocked script). Elsewhere, cameos come from a veritable Comedy Hall Of Fame, with Kevin Kline charmingly noble as Shaun's literary hero. As for Hanks Jr., he has winningly inherited Dad's easy charm and affinity for this material.

Verdict
A refreshing change from misfiring gross-out tat, with a charming lead performance from Tom's boy.


Reviewed by Danny Graydon

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Average user rating for Orange County

California Here We Come ....

As a predecessor to the series The O.C., Mike White's penned comedy provides hilarity and amusement throughout, thanks to a sweet natured script and an array of familiar faces making up the cast. Shaun Brumder is a high school student who up until the 'tsunami' style surfing death of his close friend Lonny, was enjoying life and his hometown of Orange County in California. After Lonny's death, Shaun is sat on the beach one day when he discovers a book in the sand. The book is a novel about tee... More

Posted by TinTinMunch at 23:02, 11 April 2010 | Report This Post

RE: Orange County

very, very funy. alot of fun! ... More

Posted by shawshank prisoner at 20:37, 10 October 2007 | Report This Post

RE:

100% agree! very funny film! havent seen it in years ... More

Posted by Topher182 at 00:46, 09 October 2007 | Report This Post

excellent story awsome soundtrack and jack steals the show again ... More

Posted by apbircham at 21:04, 07 October 2007 | Report This Post

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