Based on short stories by James Franco, this film randomly follows 3 teens (Emma Roberts, Nat Wolff & Jack Kilmer) as they drink, smoke, have sex and wander thru their adolescence. The story is as aimless as theirĀ lives. There’s no real structure, just scenes of wasted (literally) youth. The only major adult character is Franco who plays an inappropriate coach, Even with though it feels like an MTV reality show, the young actors impressively create natural and complex characters and director Gia Coppola has an ability (like her aunt Sophia) to capture quiet observations and create compelling situations. Look for Jack’s dad Val and Gia’s great aunt Talia Shire (as the guidance counselor) in cameos.
(3.5 / 5)