The late '90s were saturated with teen comedies; almost formulaically, most of these films followed a predictable arc, incorporating high school cliques, romance, rebellion and of course… prom.
Jawbreaker has all of these familiar elements, and it’s just as vapid as the flicks it parodies. But by telling a story of mean girl politics through the lens of mordant satire, this movie turns the genre on its head, with results so delightfully campy, you can’t help but eat it up.
The queens of Reagan High will do anything to stay on top — even cover up a murder — when a catty birthday prank goes horribly wrong.
As over-the-top as the Valley Girl dialogue and absurd story line are, the bold visuals are remarkable. Director Darren Stein crafts a mouth-watering world, like a glossy neon dollhouse as sickly sweet as the titular killer candy. What’s more, the angst-anthem garage rock soundtrack and darkly ambient original score are a real treat: a fittingly tart cherry atop a saccharine indulgence.
