This movie will either give you huge nostalgia for those care free house parties or sad regret that you never got to experience a party like this in your 20's.
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frosty-444316 February 2021
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mr_poo_33 March 2012I know when to appreciate a movie with real meaning, and this is not the case. If you take this movie on face value - a humorous pure popcorn movie with no hidden meanings to teach you the values of life, it's pretty good. I don't see why it's getting bashed because for what it is, it was entertaining and funny. Before you go in to see this movie ask yourself what exactly you want to get out of it, if it's 1 hour and 20 minutes of mindless entertainment, then you're set. If, however you feel Project X will leave you pondering life and everything around you, this movie is not for you. Don't listen to the old people on here who knew what they were getting themselves into and still paid and saw the movie only to turn around and rate it poorly because it was below whatever expectations they have for a party movie...
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charles-simpson5 June 2012Project X is a film that, on paper, does not appeal to me at all. I predicted it to be a low budget film with some unmemorable gags and a poor plot. I was wrong. It was a surprisingly good film. The plot did, as anticipated, contain several holes and you couldn't help thinking "surely that wouldn't have happened" but after all it was based on a true story.
The film is based on some unpopular high school students, (Thomas, Costa and JB) who throw a party when one of their parents goes away for the weekend and it quickly escalates out of control. The film is seemingly shot by their friend Dex on a portable camera and some other videos in a documentary style sequence. There is a good balance of dialogue, montages of general party mayhem and Thomas completely stressing out and the films great for watching with a few of the lads.
The three of us who watched it were laughing consistently throughout the film and many of the characters were very relatable. Overall (despite being extremely far-fetched) the film was relatable, although I was hoping for a bit more development on the morning after the party.
Don't watch this film if you're looking for artistic credit, watch it to be entertained. This wouldn't have been a film I would have picked out myself but after watching it I would recommend it, although not one to watch with the family. -
hottfuegos14 March 2012like many have said before me, if you are going into this movie expecting some potential Oscar material you will be sadly disappointed. The best way to approach this movie is to not expect anything at all but a bit of over the top entertainment provided by an out of control high school party. If you are too old to remember the days when you were in high school and attended a party that seemed to get a little bit crazy, I would not watch this movie. I think you need to have had some kind of crazy party experience in the past in order to take that event in your mind and multiply it by 100 times. But you won't HAVE to create that scenario in your head, because that is exactly what project X does for you.
There really is not much of a story. But that being said, there are some theatrical elements that will set up for scenes later in the movie. So in that respect there is a sort of a story line and a decent attempt at unfolding events.
The characters aren't THAT bad. There is some character establishment although they may not be entirely likable. While they do establish the characters, there is not much development. Right from the beginning of the movie you get a good sense of the characters and that is what you can expect the whole movie. I didn't think the secondary characters are too horrible either. The 12 year old security guards, an angry midget and the angry drug dealer all create for some great mind numbing entertainment.
Basically if you are over the age of 35 MAX, depending how young hearted you are. Or if you can't recall a crazy high school or college party experience to relate to, I would not recommend this movie. People are going to talk trash on this movie, because they were expecting something more upon going to see this. DON'T! Some people ask a lot out of movies. They need plot twists and turns surprises and thrills. This movie does contain some of that but in a dumbed down, mind numbing fashion. So don't expect anything other than some wild, over-the-top, epic party experience of the century and you should be OK. -
trofim-nd4 June 2012That is a really fun movie. So entertaining, so amusing. Yes, it might have some clichés, yes, the characters might not be analyzed in the deepest way, yes, there might be not much of a moral message, yes, some humor might not be super original, yes, it might not be completely realistic. But the movie never supposed to be any of this. If you are looking for super artistic- clever-Oscar film, you are in the wrong place. But if you are looking for great entertainment, simple laughs and easy night with friends- that stuff is for you. Makes you recall all the crazy parties you have been through )))). Whatever some people say, the 'making the movie' style of the film looks and fits great into the concept of the film. It really feels natural since I remember myself to film parties like that (well, not entirely like that, but still). Watch it, especially if you are young, watch it. It is real FUN!!!
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UniqueParticle25 February 2021I love all the dialogue so much, comedy is great, soundtrack is awesome and entertainment is value perfect! I'm probably one of very few to give Project X a 10! Not much else to say except such a fun flick.
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Depending on which age group you fall in will determine your enjoyment for Project X. Project X does so many fundamental things wrong such as sub par acting and glaring plot holes. However, for a film that on paper seems absolutely terrible I could not stop laughing and really enjoying this movie.
Project X isn't so much hilarious as it is entertaining. This movie will really appeal those who can relate to the plot somewhat. As an 18 year old that has thrown parties when my parents were away the film struck a chord with me. I could feel the main character Thomas's anxiety when he realized he had no control over his house and that's why I feel many teenagers and even those in their early 20's would really relate to this film.
Project X might not be worth 10 dollars to see it in the movie theater but if you go with a good group of friends the 10 dollar ticket will seem more than worth it. I really enjoyed the film for personal reasons but I can see a lot of movie goers detesting it. 6/10 -
Lucien19924 March 2012This movie is not original. It is not thought provoking. It's not well written. Hell, it doesn't even have a plot. However, Project X takes everything young people loved about movies like Superbad, The Hangover, Animal House, Van Wilder and the like, and it blends it all together brilliantly, to the point where you actually feel as though you're at the party.
The character formula is basically Superbad 2.0. Costa is like Jonah Hill's character, but even louder, more foul and crazier. Thomas is the sensible one, much like Michael Cera. JB is Fat Mclovin. That's about as deep as it gets for characters. There is very little character development. Costa becomes a little more sensitive to Thomas' problems at the end, and Thomas acknowledges his 'female best friend' as a lover in the end, but that's about as far as character development goes. Oh, and JB gets some booty. That is it.
The real fun comes from the actual party and the true host: Costa. The guy is hilarious and makes all of the negative aspects of American culture something to laugh at. He's loud, rude, crude and obnoxious.
The movie is shot in such a way as to make you feel as though you are really at the party. I read some reviews from people that stated they did not feel they were at the party. I personally got sucked right into it. The soundtrack was brilliant and created a real party atmosphere. And boy, if you like breasts, you are in luck because this movie has plenty.
The antagonist is an alcoholic neighbour named Rob, and the movie does a good job making him look like a d-bag. Even though he is right when he confronts them about shutting down the party, and the kids really should have kept the noise down, you still hate him for some reason. I suppose this movie represents that innate teenage rebellion, and Rob represents authority. As such you're forced to choose a side. If you're under the age of about 21 you will probably choose teenage rebellion. I, a 19 year old, surely did.
What I love most about this movie though is how unrealistic it is. I doubt a party this big could ever last as long as this one does. Police would be there so fast it wouldn't be able to get past 300 people. I've never been a raver, but I've been to and thrown house parties, and this movie takes my small shindigs with 20-30 people and multiplies it by a thousand.
The kids never face appropriate justice. If you're hoping to take your kids to see this to show them the negative consequences behind disobeying authority and disturbing the peace, don't take them to see this. There is no moral other than: never throw a crazy party at your house. Even that is kind of muddled, because while the house is wrecked, you leave the theatre with a sense of, "it was worth it." Thomas' father doesn't even beat him, which would have been more realistic (Just me?).
All in all, project X is a very memorable experience. I would like to watch it again soon, but I have a feeling it will lose some of its glamour upon a second viewing. I had a lot of fun watching this in the theatre and recommend it to anyone who enjoys teenage rebellion, good tunes, scantily clad females, and laughing at ridiculousness. If you enjoyed Superbad, you will probably like this, as long as you don't put too much emphasis on a plot.
*Side note, before i forget: This movie took something from Animal House that i noticed right away: at the end of the film, the fates of the main characters are revealed on screen via text narration (much like in Animal House). The birthday boy, Thomas, is said to have been voted "most likely to succeed by his peers." This reminded me so much of Animal House, how Bluto grows up to become a US senator. Just thought I'd throw that out there. -
Gordon-1111 June 2019This film tells the story of a high school party turning out of control.
There are a lot of films about high school party, but this one is probably is the craziest. The events escalate gradually to the point of being outrageous, which is what makes the film very entertaining. What is more, is that the story is almost believable! -
G-manxtreme5 June 2012great movie, very exciting fun and entertaining. If you wanna watch a movie that will " move you" in an emotional way
or "teach u right from wrong" then this isn't the movie for u.
But if Your looking for laugh out loud jokes
or just crazy mayhem and sexy girls (ESPECIALLY Alexis Knapp who plays Alexis) then this is definitely the movie for u! Its really a movie to just kick back and relax and watch.
Rather than to analyze cause its just some kids having fun for GOD sakes!!!
So stop taking the movie so seriously and enjoy it !!!!!!!! -
henry-305-49369229 February 2012I'm still trying to figure out why this film left such a weird taste in my mouth. It's odd, coming out of a film and having NOTHING to say about it. Possibly, it's because almost nothing happens. They throw a party. It goes bananas. Stuff gets set on fire. Nothing you can't divine from the trailer.
It took me a while to realize why. There was a gaping whole at the center of this film. The message - nothing really matters, everyone should do whatever it takes to be cool, skinny, popular, etc. And there are no consequences. Self-destruction presented as empowerment.
This is nothing new, and I'm too young to be seriously offended by this sentiment, but Project X takes it to a higher pitch than ever before. It's like watching a stream of Facebook threads, links and comments fly past for 90 minutes. Intercut with whoops and heavy bass-lines. It doesn't feel like a music video. It is a music video. And about as satisfying.
It's made in the image of John Hughes films, updated for the Ritalin generation, but it moves too fast. I found myself wanting to say 'How about that scene where ... ' but realized that there were no scenes I found funny enough to bother recounting.
I know how this all sounds. Like a hater. But it's not. I just didn't care. There was nothing to care about. Nothing I hadn't seen in a dozen music videos a dozen times, but now, with a couple of fat kids thrown in. The only thing that leaves me wincing is the overtness of the film's nihilism. Screw everything. And everyone. This is the image of themselves these Socal kids are getting presented with. If it plays well at the box office - which it will, and nothing I can say will change that - it's the kind of thing we'll see more of. And more of. And more of. The same thing. Over. And over. Again. -
MoviesGivesLifeMeaning22 October 2021Didn't get bored at a single scene. Every scene was fun in it. It don't know how it's so unknown and not so famous movie. I didn't expected at all that this movie will be so much fun.
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MovieAddict201623 February 2012As a preface to this review, before anyone's knee-jerk reaction is to dismiss my opinions as those of a prude: I'm not at all opposed to "hard-R" comedies. In fact, I love many of them. But something about this one rubbed me the wrong way - indeed, to even refer to it as a "movie" seems wrong: there were scenes chronicling the party that basically devolved into mini-music-videos focusing on naked girls. And not even in tantalizing ways -- rather, these scenes felt creepy (especially since a lot of the girls featured are supposed to be high schoolers) -- for example, the director relies upon paparazzi-style upskirt shots. And because the movie is shot a la Blair Witch/Cloverfield etc. with its "found footage" style, it only makes these shots seem all the dirtier and more voyeuristic.
Moving on past that stuff... other flaws: The fact that the main characters were so clichéd and stereotypical of the genre didn't help, either -- the Jonah Hill-type character from NYC was sporadically amusing but overall just seemed to be trying too hard: the mandatory overzealous good friend who's obsessed with girls and thinks he has game but doesn't. So, nothing original or distinct enough to make him different than any other sex comedy character. He made me laugh a couple times, but that's faint praise.
While the first half of the movie is sort of dumb fun, the second just gets derailed by increasingly silly, unrealistic, borderline disturbing stuff - e.g. a huge sequence with a dude wielding a flamethrower at the end was not just stupid but kind of terrifying, like it belonged in a completely different film.
I also didn't like the 'moral' of the story or whatever you want to call its attempts to reconcile its events. Unfortunately I can't discuss it without spoiling the film, but suffice to say the "feel-good" moral closure of Project X felt like an attempt at Risky Business without any of the actual morality behind it. Not to mention the main character wasn't half as likable or realistic as the Tom Cruise character, despite ostensibly looking more like an actual high schooler than Cruise did - alas, that's why good writing is key. The only word I can use to describe the film is...sleazy, but not in a good way.
Think back on what made films like Superbad so much better than much of their genre: it was the characters. They said and did a lot of crude, dumb stuff, but they were rendered as realistic and likable kids and we could relate to them. When they were put in compromising situations - like an out of control party - it was funny because, as corny as this sounds, we cared. They weren't throwaway caricatures of teenagers, or one-dimensional mean-spirited idiots.
In Project X, whose various elements and characters are basically ripped off of superior teen films, you don't particularly care about any of these kids - nor can you relate to them. Is the film enjoyable? People in the theater laughed - I imagine it'll appeal to its primary demographic, which is the teen/college crowd - but I think years from now those viewers will look back on movies like The Hangover and Superbad and realize why those were better.
(P.S. Don't be fooled by misleading marketing -- while this film was indeed produced by Todd Phillips, he did not direct it. The studio is capitalizing on his involvement - and can you blame them for it when the Hangover films have made like a billion dollars worldwide? - but apart from a producer credit, he didn't have anything to do with this flick.) -
Project X directed by Nima Nourizadeh is a splendid movie.
I do not know why many of the people have given it bad ratings saying that its boring.
People,just forget those reviews and watch the movie!Its fantastic! Story:- Three seemingly anonymous high school seniors (Thomas Mann,Oliver Cooper and Jonathan Daniel Brown) attempt to finally make a name for themselves. Their idea is innocent enough - let's throw a party that no one will forget, and have a camera there, to document history in the making. But nothing could prepare them for this party. Word spreads quickly as dreams are ruined, records are blemished and legends are born.
The movie slacks a bit in the middle but still is entertaining.
The direction is very good.
The movie's dialogs are good.
Performances:- The 3 boys Thomas Mann,Oliver Cooper and Jonathan Daniel Brown are excellent in their respective roles.
All in all,Project X is an entertaining movie.I am going to give a seven on ten for Project X.Don't mind the reviews,just watch the movie! -
SnoopyStyle26 August 2013We all know why they made this movie. You pay these kids next to nothing. And you promote it as a party movie. It's a classic money making move. The surprise here is that this was actually a pretty good movie. The kids aren't necessarily that likable or great actors. All of it is mostly recycled old teen movie parts. But it's the energy that so great. The utterly over the top chaos in this movie is just too much fun to ignore. The flamethrower does go too far. But it's too late to do any major damage. It just adds to the general chaos of this movie. Miles Teller is the biggest name to come out of this wild ride.
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Boba_Fett113813 March 2012Of course this is not a great movie but that is more so because you can't even really call this a movie in the first place.
It's not necessarily following a story, or trying to build its characters. It's simply being one very straightforward movie, that delivers on what it promises. In that regard I also can't really see how someone can dislike this movie. It never pretended to be something that it wasn't and I liked the movie for that.
In the days that found-footage movies are getting really popular, it is fun to see movies coming up with new and original, great stuff. This movie entirely looks like it got shot with cell phones (which was also true for most part, by the way), which gets you right in the middle of things and gives you the feeling you are really participating in its wild, crazy party.
And this is really all the movie has to it really; its wild and crazy party. And I must say, it's all pretty fun to watch and to see how things slowly but steadily are getting more and more worse and just totally insane. The movie constantly keeps coming up with more crazy stuff throughout, which makes this never a boring watch, or a movie that constantly keeps repeating itself. It helps of course that the movie is a very short one.
Who knows, maybe it would had been a better thing if we actually got to care about, or got to know any of the characters but really, this didn't took anything away from the movie for me. It's just clearly one not to take very seriously (or to try at home) and a movie you should simple take and enjoy for what it is.
Especially teenagers shall really love this movie.
7/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/ -
This movie tells the story of 3 teen boys, all with completely different personalities, who decide to throw a fairly large birthday bash, which in the end goes totally out of hand. The movie is based on the real life story about a boy named Corey Delaney who threw a huge party that involved the whole street. The movie has worried several people due to the fact that teenagers are represented in a very negative way. Reports of imitations of the Project X party have also been in the news.
I think everyone is overreacting personally but that's just me. This movie is so much fun, and as much as it makes me want to go to a party, I would never act so ridiculously as portrayed in Project X. The movie can be compared to American Pie, Super bad etc with it's really American humour and classic story line. It features filthy comedy, naked teens, scenes of drug use and alcohol consumption and is a non-stop thrill ride. It will leave you gritting your teeth and covering your eyes due to it's absurd stunts and the cringe-worthy events in it.
It has a great soundtrack that makes you wanna get up and dance too! However, the reason why I haven't rated it a ten is because towards the end, it becomes a bit TOO dramatic and silly. But overall, it's fun, sexy, funny, pulse racing & definitely memorable. Just like in Super bad, you emphasize with each character and each one is completely different to the other. If you like Super bad/American Pie, you'll love this :) -
kdnor201113 March 2012Ever wonder what would happen if the monster never hit in "Cloverfield?" I wanted to see this film, mostly because I'm a huge fan of the "found footage" gimmick. I loved Cloverfield, all three Paranormal Activities, Blair Witch, and plenty of others. This is the third movie in the "Found Footage" gimmick I've seen in 2012, and I can tell you right now that it is way better than "The Devil Inside," but not nearly as good as "Chronicle." This movie got mainly negative reviews from critics and pretty mixed reviews among people, so I didn't know what to expect when going into this movie.
Stuff I didn't like included some generic characters. A lot of people are complete idiots in this movie. There is a scene where the main character's friend gets angry at him, and I really don't know what she was mad about. But my biggest problem was that the film wasn't that funny, I chuckled a descent amount of times, but I never got that big laugh and there were too many dry spots. Not as bad as Paul or Bridesmaids, but I was just hoping to laugh more.
However, despite not being that funny, this movie is never boring, at least not once the party starts. I was entertained almost all the way through, so much stuff happens at this party that it's hard not to call it "the party you've only dreamed about." I also really like the main character "Thomas," he reminds me of me. If I were in his position, that is how I would act, I would want to not get in trouble. SPOILERS: I also liked the fact that the ending didn't cop out and have the kids just fix everything, they got in trouble for what they did, and let's face it, they deserved it.
Project X was OK, it isn't that funny, but it is never boring. My recommendation is rent it, get a bunch of friends over, if you want to, get drunk and you will have a blast. I'll probably never watch it again, but I had a pretty fun time watching it. -
gianmarcoronconi6 December 2021A really nice fake documentary film for young people, to watch with friends to have a laugh. The plot is practically not existing but it is not needed because the film is so beautiful without the slightest sense.
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'PROJECT X': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
Another 'found footage' film, this one is a teen party film produced by Todd Phillips (the director behind such popular crude comedies as 'THE HANGOVER' 1 and 2, 'OLD SCHOOL', 'ROAD TRIP' and 'DUE DATE'). It was directed by first time feature film director Nima Nourizadeh and written by Matt Drake and Michael Bacall (who also co-wrote 'SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD' and '21 JUMP STREET'). It was cast with many unknowns through a nationwide open casting call and filmed on a budget of just $12 million. The nerds gone wild storyline doesn't have much originality or surprises to it but it is funny and somewhat inspiring.
The movie was originally titled 'PROJECT X' as just a placeholder for another title but after the name drew a lot of interest the filmmakers decided to keep it. The film revolves around three high school friends (Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper and Jonathan Daniel Brown) who decide to throw a birthday party for one while his parents are gone. The three are outcasts at their school and want the party to be big in order to gain popularity. So one advertises it heavily at school, on craigslist and through massive text messaging. The party of course grows increasingly out of control as another friend (Dax Flame) films it.
The movie is obviously heavily populated with themes of reclusive kids letting loose and partying for once in their lives. I would guess it was majorly influenced by other 'nerds gone wild' teen party films like 'RISKY BUSINESS'. It's been criticized by some for encouraging irresponsible morals but I think it's inspiring. Definitely a 'feel-good' movie that's moving for anyone who can relate.
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8oXDJoapdc -
avsroxbronxfan25 September 2012I did not enjoy this film. I actually haven't seen many bad movies this year, but this was the worst I've seen. I'm sure there's worse than this, but this is the worst I've seen this year. I actually didn't know much about this film before I went to see it with some co-workers of mine. The others (except for one of them) seemed to like it for some reason, while I just completely hated it.
The story is very recycled. It's basically your nerd in high school trying to get popular type of story, but he and his sailor mouth friend, who is one of the biggest jerks. I've seen in movies, have a huge party while his parents are out of town. Before I go in, let me just say that his friend cusses way too much. I don't mind swearing, but you don't need to say it in every sentence! This just makes you look childish! If I had a dime for every time he cussed in it, I'd be richer than Bill Gates.
My first complaint is that the actual party is about 70% of the film. I know the film is about it, but that's way too slow paced. My second complaint is towards the filming. It's some friend of theirs, who, for some reason carries a camera and records everything that happens. Wouldn't the battery die eventually? Okay, that may be nit-picky, but here's something I've questioned for a while. During the party, he still just stands there and records everything. Wouldn't he want to put down the camera for a bit and join the party? Another complaint I have about that camera is that they want HIM to be recording everything, yet he would be shown in one area, then in the next shot, we're upstairs. What happened? Is there another kid who randomly records everything? Maybe I'm just being too harsh about the camera. Although, there is too much movement. You don't wanna do that. I should know, I'm good at filming.
But my biggest problem with this film is that... wait for it... EVERYONE IS EITHER SEX OBSESSED, A DRINKER/WEED SMOKER, OR A COMPLETE JERK!! Yes, there are irresponsible teenagers. Yes, some do have sex too early. And yes, some can be mean people. But the thing is that they make EVERY TEENAGER IN THE PARTY ONE OF THOSE THINGS!! Sorry, that part really irritates me. This is the most stereotypical movie I've seen since North. (1994) Anyway, we're done with the party, and after everything goes completely wrong, the neighborhood is destroyed, and his parents have returned to find the huge damage. Well, this kid is dead meat, so this should be fun to watch! His dad: "Your college fund will pay for this. But I'm amazed you got this many people to come." ARE YOU F***ING KIDDING ME?!?!? Who cares about how many people came? Your son destroyed the neighborhood, and this damage will cost thousands, if not millions of dollars in damage, and part of you is impressed with the turnout? THIS IS STUPID! But, I do have to give credit where it is due. Parts of it is very funny, and it is based off a true story.
Other than that, this film is complete garbage. I'm 20 years old, and think this. Do not waste your money on this. -
The_Grimm_Reaper2 March 2012I walked into this film thinking this film is going to be a rip-off and be a stupid predictable party movie. Though some things were obviously predictable but isn't all comedies predictable.
Though critics have rated this film horribly I think they are wrong you have to look at this film for what it is supposed to represent. Mostly 15-25 year olds appreciate the film. But some people have to understand not every film is made for everyone and not every film has to be Oscar material.
As for the movie itself I loved it, it was a different way of showing partying in a movie. The film has some type of feel to it like when you finish it you feel you were at the party. Some people may complain about the sex, drugs, nudity, etc in the film but one thing that made this film unique is the power of them 'going there' like going way over the top making the craziest things happen in it.
If you basically do not have a sense of humor I do not recommend this film but if you have some fun in you and understand what it is like to be a teenager in this generation you will like it. Also I know some people say the film is not realistic in ways but it is one of the best movies to show how teenagers party there are teens that have partied like this but without the over the top ending it is very realistic.
The found footage idea for this film is what made it better a new concept and it is finally being used for a comedy an excellent job. Though I hope this film becomes a hit because I feel it is highly underrated it is no different from the 80's-90's party movies the only difference is 'Project X' shows everything that happens at parties.
You can say the fans of the film are immature but the film is worth seeing. Also it is nothing like 'The Hangover' nor 'Superbad'. Though the film is funnier and more over the top than the hangover. This film is just another classic that was supposed to happen but won't it has too many mad reviews.
I give this movie a 9/10 a perfect comedy and a good way to show what happens at parties. Interesting to see what happens through out the movie, it is very intense so you will be blown away at a lot of scenes. May contain lots of nudity and outrageous behavior but at least the film had the balls to make it right. Please see the film first before you hate a lot of you are missing out. -
amahlanand9 June 2012Before entering the cinema, try and imagine what you would with a title 'Project X'. I can guarantee you, that will enhance your experience. By the end of this, I thought 'now THAT's a party'. Truth be told, it was the wildest, craziest romp, a 'soiree' (as termed by one of the characters) of epic proportions.
Unrestrained and out of control, this 'home video' had everything you've seen in a high school party, plus, everything you haven't. There was no tangible story and it felt like there was no definitive script either, it definitely seemed improvised, like a bunch of random clips put together on a DVD. As if it was very real. It was to an extent, some of the clips were supposedly taken through cast using iPhones and Blackberrys in case they could get footage the cameras couldn't. Yes, it was THAT large and the filmmakers were looking for THAT detail. And I think that director Nimah Nourizadeh's choice to film it like this made it look like quite the blockbuster event.
Without a doubt though, it was hedonistically extreme and just the promotion of hooliganism and absolute debauchery. There's no morals, there's no social acceptability, there's no legality. It's all about a bunch of adolescent teenagers congregating with an intention to create havoc, after all, that's just another way of saying 'having a good time'. I don't know if it was supposed to be inadvertently didactic or a satire on generation Y youth, but it went to lengths which were so extreme that you got that kind of feeling.
But did I like it? Hesitatingly, I will say that I really did. It was just a thrill ride, I won't spoil it but it's just raw, juvenile entertainment. It's insanely different, quite the endeavour for producer Todd Phillips and I'm sure he would feel that this is what he envisaged.
Oliver Cooper I believe has a promising future in the comedy genre. Whether you found his character Costa awesome, despicable or annoying, he was the ringleader and perpetrator of the spectacle/disaster (depending how you want to look at it) and owned his scenes. It was through him that we saw some comedy as well amidst the widespread chaos. I'm not sure that anybody else mattered. It wasn't as much about the people as it was about the bash as a whole.
Ultimately, this would not be for everyone, least of all for more traditional previous generations who would probably find this 'misbehaviour' quite appalling. But if you'd like some comedy and some thrills, rock up to the mysterious 'Project X' and see what you get. If you aren't surprised, I look forward to your 'Project Y' to show me how its done. -
freemantle_uk3 March 2012We have all heard the horror stories of parties being posted on the Internet with events spiralling out of control. This story idea serves as the basis for Todd Phillips' (The Hangover) latest movie, Project X, which he produced. He intended it to combine teen comedies/party movies like Old School with found-footage films such as Paranormal Activity.
Thomas Kub (Thomas Mann) is a high-school student from Pasadena who is about to celebrate his 17th birthday. His friend Costa (Oliver Cooper) plans to host the most epic party possible at Thomas' house when his parents are away in effort to change their loser status. Costa spreads the word throughout the school and on the Internet, but the party is bigger than anyone could imagine. As Thomas tries to control the situation there is also romance in the air; he must choose between his long-time friend, Kirby (Kirby Bliss Blanton), and the most popular girl in school, Alexis (Alexis Knapp).
Because of the success of The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity, the found-footage genre has become popular, with this already being the third movie in that style in 2012 alone (after The Devil Inside and Chronicle). It's a cheap alternative, so now studios are trying to extend it into other genres, and an R-rated teen comedy seems as good as any.
But Project X is blighted by montages, using music, multiple cameras and cuts. The explanation for the filmmaking style is that it's meant to be a birthday video for Thomas, but it begs the questions of why film something so self-incriminating and also how did the characters get all this footage? Dax (Dax Flame) serves to be no more than the cameraman, not having a personality whatsoever, and he has a very voyeuristic filming style.
The movie pushes its premise to its extreme. It features 12-year-old security guards with Tasers, people jumping the room with skateboards, a crotch-punching midget and an angry drug dealer with a flamethrower. Considering the idea of using found footage is usually meant to bring a sense of realism, that was thrown out the window early.
As a comedy, Project X is not funny enough. The dialogue lacks wit and most scenes rely on more crude and physical humour, such as dogs humping things, because that is always funny. It does have its moments, but the best bits tended to be in the trailer.
As for the characters, Costa is big dick and one of the most annoying characters imaginable. Think Jay from The Inbetweeners without the redeeming features. He brags all the time, uses his friends and looks only for sex. He throws the party for his own selfish reasons. Of course the character was likely written this way to some extent, so Cooper performed decently, but deliberately making him annoying worked a bit too well. Costa was the type of person I'd personally want to punch—and then again when he gets back up.
The acting throughout is pretty good from the young cast. Thomas is a decent kid pressured into having this party who tries to keep order when chaos descends around him. It is sad then when he changes in a negative way. Jonathan Daniel Brown is basically a young Jonah Hill, and Blanton reminded me of Dianna Agron from Glee, a nice person and easily desirable. So why would Thomas' eye wonder to Alexis? There is a mean spirit behind this movie. Why should we support these people turning a suburban home into a rave and ruining the lives of the people around them ? None of the characters face real punishment. Instead, they celebrates their excess at the expense of others.
The R-rated high-school comedy always has an audience and I am sure Project X will develop a fan base, but it will surely attract as many dissenters as it will fans.
Rating: 4.5/10 -
tieman6420 December 2013Directed by Nima Nourizadeh, "Project X" is an unfunny comedy about a teenager who seeks to boost his high school reputation by throwing the "best party ever". This party involves lots of loud music, sex, booze and weed.
"Project X" reeks of neediness. Like its lead character, it wants desperately to be loved, and so throws all manners of excesses at us in the hope that we will find it appealing. We don't. "Project X" is annoying. Go away "Project X".
The film stars Thomas Mann as Hollywood's Michael Cera, Oliver Cooper as "American Pie's" Steve Stifler and various topless actresses as quasi-misogynistic eye-candy. See Michael Gondry's "Block Party" for lessons on how to throw a party with soul.
1/10 - Worth no viewings.