review: SENIOR SKIP DAY

First Look Studios  //  Buy from Amazon.com The plan for these high school seniors with a major case of senioritis: break into Principal Dickwalder's (Miller) house and throw the party of the year. But Principal Dickwalder overhears Adam (Gary Lundy, Donnie Darko) explaining the plan; ruining the celebration....or does it? Adam's only chance at redemption is to host the party himself. Gorgeous models, stripteases, a gigantic gravity bong, a funeral and some crêpes are the key elements to the best skip day party ever. Their only problem? Dickwalder is on a mission to stop the festivities. This hilarious fun-filled adventure will make you want to plan a skip day of your own. While I initially thought "Senior Skip Day" was but another attempted retread of "American Pie" released straight to DVD, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it's actually an independent film, released on the festival circuit that was then picked up for DVD distribution. It's apparent to the viewer within the first 2 minutes of the movie that this isn't going to be some watered down PG affair, as the main character says (to the camera, "Ferris Bueller"-style) at minute 3:30, "This is my high school. This fucking place is filled with your standard group of stock characters out of every high school in America." I loved that line, and the hilarious-yet-serious conviction with which he utters it. As genuinely funny as the film is, there's no doubt that it's the cameos that really make it worth checking out. Lea Thompson is possibly the hottest mom on the entire planet. Larry Miller is hilarious in his dead-pan delivery of the school Principal. Norm McDonald will amuse and befuddle you as a strange, strange teacher. And finally, best for last: Clint Howard as the sociopathic, crazy-ass nutbag who tags along for the Senior Skip Day. DVDschlock.com was actually able to speak to Clint Howard in promotion for this movie, and you can read the interview by clicking here. All in all, a funny little movie, and far funnier than you might expect from a straight-to-DVD release. Video The 16x9 anamorphic widescreen transfer is solid throughout, with good detail and coloring in every scene. Audio Dolby 5.1 surround sound to tickle your earlobes. Extras trailers Closing Thoughts Funny, entertaining comedy + hilarious appearances by Clint Howard, Norm McDonald & Larry Miller = well worth checking out for an evening of chuckles Trailer