Drama and comedy have one very important thing in common. In order to fully succeed they must be capable of creating a bond of emotional identification with the audience. To this end many filmmakers seek themes that are universal, readily understood by those viewing. One popular plot device is to set the story in high school. This setting offers an amazingly broad demographic since audience members have either attended, are currently attending or anticipating their admission into this social rite of passage. In the case of the film ‘Just Peck’ the primary demographic is the tween set, those of tender years poised to start their high school experience. It is constructed in a sufficiently solid fashion so that older teens and even adults will find it quite amusing and a valid selection for family movie night gathered around a large bowl of popcorn. This film is innoxiously enjoyable although it does endeavor to touch on themes that are pertinent to modern teenagers. It does so in a lightly humorous fashion with just the right touch of reality to grab and hold the attention of the audience. One common pit fall found in films such as this is that they typically raise your serum glucose levels to dangerous heights. If a high school comedy is to family friendly it certainly cannot use the plot devoices of sex and drugs to drive the humor. In the majority of cases this defaults the flick to sickly sweet situations and idyllic characters. One notable factor in the construction of this movie is an honest attempt is made to balance a semblance of reality with age appropriate humor. It’s been awhile since I reviewed a high school movie that was sufficiently interesting that I didn’t find myself checking the clock on the DVD player on a regular basis. The characters are relatable and the circumstance used to motivate them is common place enough to readily accept. Ultimately, what you will find most likeable in this film is the lack of contrivances. It is just a good old fashion enjoyable movie that eschews the heavy handed moral lesson for a simple form of entertainment that works mostly because it refrains from trying too hard. Albeit, there is a rather dark twist towards the conclusion but it is straightforward and it does not derail the overall entertainment value of the film.

Michael Peck (Keir Gilchrist) is a typical fifteen year old boy living in Middle America. In the social hierarchy of American High school this sophomore knows his place; the murky bottom. Peck is beset on all sides by those that constantly reinforce his lowly social standing. His fellow student dismisses Peck as a socially backward nerd while the facility treats him as if he was an idiot, always pushing him down. Even at home he fails to receive the proper credit for being capable of independent thought and activity. They have fenced the boy in with near draconian restrictions. His parents formally schedule time with their son diligently making appointments in their Day Planners as if it was a business meeting with their accountant. They even draw up contractual documents to outline Peck’s responsibilities and participation in the extracurricular selection chosen for him. Peck is hemmed in on all sides by the definitions of others extinguishing any ember of confidence he night muster. He is not permitted to chart his own course through high school; he is trapped by the parameters instituted by others. As expected, Peck is no stranger to the school yard bullies, particularly Frank (Andrew McFarlane) who would make Peck’s life completely intolerable except for the intervention of Peck’s only true friend, Geiger (Kyle Kaplan). Peck finds a glimmer of light in this bleak existence in the beautifully personage of Emily (Brie Larson), the object of his prepubescent affections. Emily is de facto out of his league so the fact that she is a senior is practically a moot point. Even under the best of circumstances a sophomore is beneath the notice of an upper classman. In typical fashion the best parental motivations manifest in furthering Peck’s status as a social pariah; the force him to enlist in the school’s science club; the hub of geek activities. Peck attempts to make the best of things and actually attempts to embrace his inner nerd and sets out to craft the best possible science projects. If his plan comes to fruition properly he can gain respect, get his parents off his case and even win the affections of the fair Emily. A side benefit of the plan adds icing to the cake by permitting him to extract some much desired revenge on his tormentors.

The most endearing aspect of this production is the tightly written script provided by Marc Arneson. This is his very first opus for this screen writer and with that said it is a remarkable start to what is certain to be a notable career. It is refreshing to see a high school based comedy that does use an overly broad brush. In this case exceptional care was given to crafting characters that have dimension which translates to believability. I look forward to watching his career flourish. The unfolding of the story is well set within the script but under the direction of Michael A. Nickles initially seems to be uneven. The pacing waxes and wanes more than usual and definitely more than those obnoxious ‘R’ rated flicks. Do not take this as a pejorative comment, it most certainly not. While still on a learning curve and experimenting with his stylistic trademark he is on the right track. The uneven nature of the pacing is true to the subject. If it was more polished it would not properly convey the personality of Peck, an uncertain teenager who is just beginning to define his life on his own terms. This film is well worth viewing with the entire family.