Some may balk at this comparison, but I think it's not only apt, but is a sparkling compliment: Booksmart is a female version of Superbad.
Both are about strong high school friendships and how they are affected with the eventuality of adulthood. Both show the excitement and anxiety of their upcoming responsibilities. Both have uproariously hilarious comedy throughout the entire film.
The two actresses, Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, are both charming and hilarious. Playing two academic overachievers who realize they didn't create memories in High School, they play their performances playfully and believable as these characters fumble into getting into a party run by one of the more popular kids in school.
They both carry the film quite well, but it's Dever and her desire to approach and get with a crush that is more emotionally resonant.
Booksmart also has great supporting performances with Billie Lourd as a uproarious standout. Her constant gag of appearing in places she isn't expected to be in offers hilarious scenes when she appears.
Booksmart has all the laughs, characters and heart that Superbad has when it was released in the 2000s. In my mind, both films are equals and Booksmart would be a great film to watch as a double feature with Superbad.
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