We all went through that awkward pubescent time, when you really care about trying to fit in, where members of the opposite sex start to become very appealing and being perceived as ‘cool’ is very important. Some of us go through this period with grace and ease, while others find it more difficult. Project X is a film about a trio of youngsters who find themselves in the no man’s land of high school. They’re neither the cool kids nor the geeks they are simply an anonymous presence. The whole film chronicles what they call ‘the game changer’: that one moment that changes everything.
Director Nima Nourizadeh makes his feature film debut with Project X. After capturing a similar vibe with the widely praised ‘House Party’ Adidas ads, Nima teams up with producers Todd Phillips (The Hangover I & II, Old School, Starsky & Hutch) and Joel Silver (The Matrix, Die Hard, Lethal Weapon) for this epic party film.
The plot is relatively straightforward; we meet the three young high schoolers, Thomas (Thomas Mann), Costa (Oliver Cooper) and J.B. (Jonathan Daniel Brown), the afternoon before they plan to throw a party. The idea is simple, Thomas’s parents are going away for the weekend, it’s his 17th birthday and he and his friends are going to throw a bit of a bash. However Thomas’s friend Costa has other plans. Tired of being part of the ‘nobodies’, Costa plans on making this one of the biggest parties ever – ‘The Game Changer’ – that will get them noticed, get them girls, and make them popular. Simple. The film then chronicles the night as it unfolds, from a good old house party to what is frankly the craziest, most chaotic, riotous event ever.
What makes this film great is the execution and how the story is told. There are a number of elements that come together that make this film stand out from other party movies. It’s filmed primarily from a first person POV. A fourth (normally unseen) friend, Dax (Dax Flame), captures the event on film as a sort of birthday present, but more, I think, for the kids to have proof of what actually went down. This gives the film a great first-hand, honest and real feel. The camerawork isn’t overly shaky and nor does is have too much of a cheesy, home camcorder feel, although there’s still a deliberate amateurishness that gives the film’s effort at pseudo-realism a genuine chance.
This was all intentionally done by the director and director of photography, as was using eight different camera systems. They then shot the film in a haphazard way to add to the chaos of the night’s events. This concept is certainly tangible in the film and its homemade feel is one of its best aspects.
The film’s cast isn’t made up of any famous faces the kids look like the guys next door. This adds further to the film’s real feel. The soundtrack is awesome and sets the tone of the party very well. You really do want to get up off your seat and get involved! The cast do a great job and play off the subtleties of the characters very well. A lot of the story is implied as there is very little context, however throughout the film the story of these boys comes together quite well. However, in a way, their back story isn’t that important. The characters are looking to forget the past, as it’s all about making this night count. Although the movie is filmed as if shot by an amateur, there are still some great cinematic moments, such as when the boys are looking out from the roof top at the wonder and horror of what has happened!
Overall verdict: Project X comes in a little under the radar but surely will not stay there for long. An Epic film and an absolute delight to watch, it will make you recall all the best times you had as a youngster as well as making you feel an overwhelming need to do something very crazy! The cast do a great job, but ultimately I think the stars are the director, producer and writers for bringing to life a unique and thrilling take on the party story. Highly recommended.
Reviewer: Kevin van der Ham