If there’s anything that screams '90s nostalgia, it’s movies like Can't Hardly Wait. Co-directed by Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan, this comedy and romance flick tries to capture the chaotic, hormonal glory of a high school graduation party. As a kid of the '90s myself, revisiting this movie review felt like diving back into a treasure trove of familiar tropes, cringy fashion, and hilariously exaggerated high school drama.
The plot revolves around a raucous party attended by the entire graduating class. You’ve got your typical collection of archetypes — the nerds, the jocks, the popular girls— all thrown under one roof. Of course, chaos ensues, bringing with it a ton of interesting developments. At the center is Ethan Embry’s character, Preston, who is on a mission to confess his long-standing crush on Jennifer Love Hewitt’s character, Amanda, before she leaves town. It’s a premise straight out of teen movie 101, but there's a certain charm to its predictability.
When it comes to performances, Jennifer Love Hewitt undoubtedly steals the show with her on-point portrayal of Amanda. It’s worth noting that Ethan Embry, though charming, often feels a little one-note. Meanwhile, Charlie Korsmo’s geeky William adds an amusingly relatable touch to the film's dynamics. Yet, despite the cast's valiant efforts, the screenplay feels somewhat formulaic, as though the writers played a game of mad libs with a high school diary. Still, Kaplan and Elfont deserve props for their directing, crafting a visual setting that truly feels like stepping into a 90s time capsule.
Comparing Can't Hardly Wait with its contemporaries, such as '10 Things I Hate About You' and 'She's All That', the film falls a bit short on the emotional stakes. While those movies delivered memorable quotes and enduring pop culture moments, Can't Hardly Wait comes off as merely entertaining rather than standout spectacular. Its humor hits home, but unlike some of the best teen comedies, it doesn’t leave a lasting impact.
So is Can't Hardly Wait a must-watch film? Well, if you’re a fan of 90s teen movies or simply love a chaotic party with a dash of romance, check it out for a good laugh and a bit of a nostalgia trip! It may not rise to the heights of a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s pretty darn fun in its casual chaos. If you’re anything like me — someone who keeps old mix tapes and has a soft spot for all things colorful and awkward — then press play and enjoy a light-hearted hour and a half.