American Teen

The 2008 documentary, “American Teen,” is an amusing film that will have you laughing throughout. While the film has its fun, it throws in a perfect amount of emotionally touching parts, without getting melodramatic.

Directed by Nanette Burstein, “American Teen” tells the story of four stereotypical high school seniors in Indiana—the jock, the popular girl, the artsy freak, and the geek. The film revolves around Hannah Bailey, intelligent and beautiful, yet considered an outcast in her high school.

Colin Clemens is an athlete, a basketball player in a town where basketball means “cool.” While Colin plays the role of the jock, he faces pressure from his father and the rest of the town to succeed.

Jake Tusing is the geek. He is socially awkward, timid, and most of all brimming with self-doubt. However, in his last year of high school he makes it his mission to find a girlfriend.

Megan Krizmanich is the most popular girl in school with everything going for her. She’s pretty, smart, popular, and wealthy. She’s awaiting her acceptance letter from Notre Dame University and student council Vice President. However, when her friends challenge her popularity, Megan will do anything to keep her reputation stable, even if it means damaging her future.

And finally, Mitch Reinholdt is a charming basketball player who discovers there’s more than his status and reputation after meeting Hannah Bailey.

Much like many teenagers, these four kids symbolize the insecurities, the cliques, the envy, first time falling in love, first time heartbreaks, dealing with relationships and the future that every kid their age deals with.

“American Teen” is a fresh, compelling documentary that you will enjoy from beginning to end. Writer Nanette Burstein will make you fall in love with the characters. You will begin to know and understand the characters. However, even with the many heartbreaking story lines that unfold, the optimistic ending is a beautiful finish to a film full of charm.

Written by: Alisha Prakash

Reviewers Rating: 8.5
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