Sorority Wars

There are people who are quick to denounce made for cable movies as overly formulaic while there are sufficient evidence to support this premise the extent of the criticism does read as harsh even unwarranted. There is a certain degree of comfort to a film based on a formula that is reminiscent of fast food. When you enter a local fast food chain you are fully aware that once there you are not going to be treated to a gastronomic delight or some original culinary experience. What you will get is a pre determined level of quality; an assurance that you expectations will be realistically met. Upon reflection of the recent ‘Lifetime’ network movie, 'Sorority Wars’. It follows the guidelines established by the mandate of the network and the required elements of a college oriented flick. The plot proceeds pretty much according to the usual schedule but the thing that must be taken under consideration is the movie makes up in originality what it admittedly lacks in originality by providing a lot of fun. I am not in the primary target demographic I freely admit I enjoyed the movie not just as a guilty pleasure but something actually worth taking the time to watch. This is not the first time I have felt this way about a presentation on the self proclaimed ‘Network for Women’. While the stories are inclined towards the female perspective the quality is reasonable and not restricted by gender. Some of the themes explored in ‘Sorority Wars’ are sufficient universal so as to transcend an arbitrary gender restriction. In this case two sororities are engaged in a long held feud that collapses in focus to a bitter rivalry that threatens a lifelong friendship between two young women. The fact that the setting is placed in the college Greek system is virtually incidental. The most significant factors at work are the effects of social pressure exerted by the sororities and the overwhelming need to fit in experienced by the girls caught in the middle. The DVD is available through Genius Production; a great place for such notable made f or television movies such as this.

The teleplay was written by M.A. Lovretta who has found a nice niche with Lifetime. She wrote the Kaley Cuoco ‘socially relevant offering, ‘To Be Fat like Me’ and the heavier drama ‘Hunt for Justice’. In a display of her versatility Lovretta also provided several episodes of the Sci-fi series ‘Mutant-X’. There is something inherently demonstrated by examining her credits; she knows how to tackle serious issues in an entertaining and engaging fashion. It just happens that I have seen much of her work over the years and upon noting her name in the credits discovered I had become a fan. Ms Lovretta has proven in the past and reaffirmed here that serious issues can be handled respectfully without sacrificing the enjoyment. Although the theme in this movie are not as heavy as war crimes or body image problems socialization is an important factor especially for the young people leaving the relative insulation of the parental home, striking off on their own in college. This makes this film in a way a coming of age story that crosses two generation as the mothers are pulled into the disruption experienced by their daughters. Lovretta is well versed at depicting strong female characters and this experience is well used here. The director, James Hayman is also able to handle an issue oriented story against the background of entertainment. James Hayman has helmed a number of excellent television series all featuring strong women in the midst of circumstances not directly under of their control. Hayman’s on the job training that lead to his work here included ‘Joan of Arcadia’, ‘Judging Amy’ and Ugly Betty’. Once again I could help but to notice that I’ve been a fan of his work for a considerable time; drawn to his series by the excellence and extremely well drawn characters.

The movie immediately sets the stage showing parking area outside a well appointed house. It is a meet and greet for the Delta sorority and the park cars are all brand new luxury automobiles. This is a place steeped in tradition for those considered acceptable to the elite standards. The mothers of girls of the incoming class have assembled their diamond and pearl encrusted sorority pins neatly affixed to their suites as the place descriptive cards near photos of their daughters. The point here is promotion of this generation by the previous to ensure the Delta tradition will continue. Katie (Lucy Hale) and best friend Sara (Phoebe Strole) are both set to pledge Delta. Katie is considered a much sought after legacy since her mother, Lutie (Courtney Thorne-Smith), was one of the chapter’s founders. The other co-founder was Lutie’s long time friend and current head of the crucial alumni association Summer (Faith Ford). Summer’s Daughter, Gwen (Amanda Schull) is the pledge chair this year; success in this endeavor will ensure her house presidency next semester. Katie isn’t just sought after by Delta. On campus poaching a prime legacy of another sorority is another tradition, one taken deadly seriously. While passing time Katie and Sara happen upon the event thrown by the Kappa house. Unlike the condescending, and pretentious Deltas, the Kappa girls are much more down to earth and spontaneous. Katie is still willing to go along with pledging Delta fulfilling her mother’s dream of placing the sorority pin on her daughter. Katie begins to identify more with the spirit of the Kappa girls then the Deltas. Katie just doesn’t fit in a house modeled after the floor plan of Barbie’s dream house where fashion and a cute boyfriend define a person’s worth. Unfortunately, Sara doesn’t share her friend’s perspective. She feels at home in the Delta house; for the first time in her life accepted.

Part of the required scenes is the alpha female, Gwen, walking with her two ‘attendants the requisite two steps behind, flanking each side. The boys from the associated fraternity are more than pompous stating the girls are only there for their ‘MRS’. The way rush week works is pledges go from one house to the next as the active sisters put on little presentations to woo the prime girls. This is where Katie begins to think of the ultimate betrayal rushing Kappa. Initially she puts Kappa on her rush card more to avoid seeming cocky than anything else when Katie begins to bond with Kappa the opening shots of the sorority wars are about to be fired. The Kappa’s are all about self discovery and realization while the Deltas just want a cute Beta guy and a round of Jell-O shots. Katie over hears Gwen talking to another Delta about the only reason they are considering Sara is to raise the house GPA. Finally Katie calls out Gwen publically for dirty rushing practices. All of a sudden Katie finds herself blacklisted with a rift between her and Sara and putting on the outs with Delta when she gets the sorority’s formal canceled. The fallout extends to the mom’s fighting. All Katie did was be honest but it brought the entire hypocritical system down around her. There is a lesson to be had here but it never comes across as heavy handed or didactic. The film is fun and one you can watch with your kids, albeit not tween or younger.

Posted 08/17/2010