John Hughes made a huge contribution to teen comedies during the ’80s. His techniques were mirrored in a lot of follow-up acts. However, no one dared to twist it all around to turn the loveable genre itself into a comedy until Joel Gallen’s daring act two decades later. Not Another Teen Movie was a lot of things.
Whether it was a hit or a miss, that’s up to you. Despite all the negative reviews this movie received, there’s no denying that it definitely made heads turn. The never-ending classic references are significantly accentuated by the deliberate choice of filming locations. They are bound to take you on a nostalgia trip through the golden era of John Hughes hits.
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Not Another Teen Movie Filming Locations
Joel Gallen’s first feature directorial debut alludes to a dozen coming-of-age movies of the 80s and 90s. The high school name itself is a clear nod to the references it makes throughout the entire duration of the movie. The sensational ‘John Hughes High’ is actually Monrovia High School, situated on the West Colorado Boulevard, the northeast corner of Madison Avenue in Monrovia. Other famed high school locations featured in the movie include Torrance High School (West Carson Street, Torrance) and Verdugo Hills High School (Tujunga).
Characters saunter around sites like Santa Monica Pier or Park Plaza Hotel. The Hotel’s popular Ballroom became the filming location for the climactic prom scene. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) makes up for the final location.
Spotted in various movies across decades, all these locations have become Hollywood’s favorites. For instance, Park Plaza Hotel stopped functioning as a hotel in 1998. Since then, it has opened its gates strictly for cinematic purposes.
What is the Movie About?
Dissecting the conventional “chick-flick” category of movies, Not Another Teen Movie takes a dig at the overused cliche tropes employed therein. The popular ‘jock’, football star Jake Wyler makes a bet to transform the glasses-wearing ‘nerd’, Janey Briggs, into the prom queen. On the other hand, his sister and a cheerleader team up to hamper his efforts.
The Cast
The stellar cast features Chyler Leigh (Janey Briggs) and Chris Evans (Jake Wyler) as the protagonists. The supporting cast includes Mia Kirshner, Jaime Pressly, Cody McMains, Lacey Chabert, and more. Molly Ringwald, the pre-eminent leading lady of several John Hughes 80s classics, makes a surprising cameo.
Various Easter Eggs to Look Out for in the Movie
Not Another Teen Movie goes to great lengths to make references to classic teen comedies till the very end. Watching this movie is like time traveling in a way. This particular genre of movie thrives on perpetuating intrinsic stereotypical representations through various means. One of them is reflected in the prevalence of neck-deep cliques throughout one’s high school career. These abundantly spread out easter eggs in the movie seek to satirize the classic genre itself as they’re constantly parodied.
The illustrious ’80s teen comedy or coming of age director name, ‘John Hughes’ gets a clear mention in the High School name. Thereafter, the notable divisions of cliques and titles like ‘the prom queen’, ‘jocks’, ‘nerds’, cheerleaders, and their quintessential portrayal are questioned by directing mockery at them. The plotline isn’t unique. It rather spins the pre-existing takes. The title itself clarifies that this is, in fact, “not another teen movie”. It’s merely a spoof of them all put together.
Allusions to a plethora of titles are made. The list hints at She’s All That (1999), 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Can’t Hardly Wait (1998), Pretty in Pink (1986), Varsity Blues (1999), Bring It On (2000), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), Sixteen Candles (1984), The Breakfast Club (1985) … and it goes on!
Is Not Another Teen Movie Worth Watching?
The movie will not hit the right note with those who aren’t familiar with these aforementioned titles. The whole purpose of the film is to remind you of these familiarities either through the choice of filming locations or the characters’ names. Critics haven’t been accepting of this movie over the years and have dismissed it as something “crass” or “vulgar”, especially due to the ample sexual innuendos in the humor adopted by the writers. The only way you can sit through this movie is if you ignore all these pre-established criticisms. Maybe the evergreen heartthrob Chris Evans can be a major incentive for you.
Watching this flick can be painful for those who have a genuine liking and soft spot for the OG ’80s and ’90s teen comedies. Nevertheless, you can make it through. All you have to do is clear up your mind and be patient enough to endure all the mindless humor that has been injected into the movie.
Where to Watch Not Another Teen Movie
Rated ‘Adult’, Not Another Teen Movie is available on Netflix. You can watch the movie on the OTT platform if the plot intrigues you.
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