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Orange County
2002
High school student, Shaun Brumder, has his sights set on gaining a place at Stanford University. His dreams are shattered when he receives a letter of rejection after his counsellor sends the wrong papers to Stanford. Now Shaun has just twenty-four hours to reach Stanford and put the record straight... Read more
| Starring | Jack Black, Colin Hanks, Catherine O'Hara, John Lithgow |
|---|---|
| Director | Jake Kasdan |
| Genres | Comedy |
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Critics' reviews (3)
View all -
Rising head and shoulders above the usual “teen comedy” pack thanks to its offbeat observations, quirky sensibilities and marvellous performances, this is also noteworthy for agreeably showcasing the second-generation Hollywood talents of Colin Hanks (Tom's son), Schuyler Fisk (Sissy Spacek's daughter) and Jake Kasdan (director Lawrence's son). It feels so amusingly fresh because Kasdan focuses on extracting wry humour from a colourful ensemble of flawed eccentrics rather than gross-out actions. Set in the “perfect” Californian region of the title, aimless surfer dude Hanks finds his life changed when he discovers a novel buried in the sand and is so struck by its passionate content he decides to become a writer. But, a clerical mistake means his now brilliant grades are attributed to another student and he has 24 hours to fix the error before Stanford University closes its application ranks. Plenty of hearty chuckles and knowing giggles arise from the screwball complications, which are further energised by the brilliant John Lithgow and Catherine O'Hara as Hanks's divorced off-the-wall parents and a host of on-target cameos by Lily Tomlin, Ben Stiller, Harold Ramis, Chevy Chase and Kevin Kline.
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Low key 'teen comedy, of interest only because it features some second generation Hollywood names behind and before the cameras (and let's hope their parents managed to enjoy it).
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A byword for laid-back Californian sun, sea and surf, Orange County is also home to Shaun Brumder (Hanks), an easygoing... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful members' reviews (3)
View all -
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful
Bloody hilarious
I started to watch this one with no preconception of what it was, and the opening scenes caught my attention. As the movie progressed I felt that I knew all of the characters in the people around me. The actors were perfectly cast, Colin hanks to play the lead, Jack Black as his waster of a brother.
This one has everything, comedy, action and above all a real story!!! Rare amongst modern movies.
If you are not sure what to watch tonight, watch this, you will not be disappointed. -
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
What a funny film
Just conveying the comments from previous viewers really as to how great a film this is. The emphasis is on the empathy with the main character Shaun and his hap-hazard multi-dysfunctional Orange County family and his efforts to get into Stamford University. Jack Black is superb (as Shaun's drugged up brother) as are John Lithgow and Catherine O'Hara (as Shaun's career obsessed and partially psychotic (respectively) parents).
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5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Without Jack Black...
Often films explore how beyond reach achievements can become reality. This film relies upon the viewers knowledge of how difficult a college place is to obtain, however seems unsuitable in our current culture, thus seems his chosen path is one of no importance to him. The film tries to please too many viewers with little portions of comedy, despair, love, etc but never enough in one area. It is a nice film if you want to unwind, but not one to be excited, challenged or even for laughs. Jack Black rescues this film somewhat.
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Most recent members' reviews (2)
View all -
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Excellent surprise
Didn't know much about the film other than that it stars Tom Hanks son Colin & Jack Black (the latter not necessarily a recommendation as far as I'm concerned) so was very happy to sit back & find myself watching a cracking comedy with touches of insight and meaning.
At times it does veer towards the silly but never irredeemably so and is continually pulled back by the spot on performances of all concerned. -
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Good fun
I like this film. It doesn't break any new ground, and the story is kinda 'run of the mill'. However, this film is fun. Jack Black is brilliant.
And I mean brilliant. I laughed out loud during his scenes, and I don't laugh out loud often. Being such a short film, you can't really go nuts even if you don't enjoy it, so give it a go.
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8 out of 8 people found this review helpful
Bloody hilarious
I started to watch this one with no preconception of what it was, and the opening scenes caught my attention. As the movie progressed I felt that I knew all of the characters in the people around me. The actors were perfectly cast, Colin hanks to play the lead, Jack Black as his waster of a brother.
This one has everything, comedy, action and above all a real story!!! Rare amongst modern movies.
If you are not sure what to watch tonight, watch this, you will not be disappointed. -
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
What a funny film
Just conveying the comments from previous viewers really as to how great a film this is. The emphasis is on the empathy with the main character Shaun and his hap-hazard multi-dysfunctional Orange County family and his efforts to get into Stamford University. Jack Black is superb (as Shaun's drugged up brother) as are John Lithgow and Catherine O'Hara (as Shaun's career obsessed and partially psychotic (respectively) parents).
-
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Without Jack Black...
Often films explore how beyond reach achievements can become reality. This film relies upon the viewers knowledge of how difficult a college place is to obtain, however seems unsuitable in our current culture, thus seems his chosen path is one of no importance to him. The film tries to please too many viewers with little portions of comedy, despair, love, etc but never enough in one area. It is a nice film if you want to unwind, but not one to be excited, challenged or even for laughs. Jack Black rescues this film somewhat.
-
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Excellent surprise
Didn't know much about the film other than that it stars Tom Hanks son Colin & Jack Black (the latter not necessarily a recommendation as far as I'm concerned) so was very happy to sit back & find myself watching a cracking comedy with touches of insight and meaning.
At times it does veer towards the silly but never irredeemably so and is continually pulled back by the spot on performances of all concerned. -
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
A great feel-good film that somehow manages to avoid being sickly. Jack Black does a great job playing, well...Jack Black, basically!! Colin Hanks continues to impress in his fledgling career and John Lithgow is a real bonus. Give it a whirl!!
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3 out of 4 people found this review helpful
This Film Was Brilliant
Jack Black made this film - three cheers for the funniest man on film!
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Good fun
I like this film. It doesn't break any new ground, and the story is kinda 'run of the mill'. However, this film is fun. Jack Black is brilliant.
And I mean brilliant. I laughed out loud during his scenes, and I don't laugh out loud often. Being such a short film, you can't really go nuts even if you don't enjoy it, so give it a go. -
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Short but long on laughs
The film runs at about one hour twenty... It does not require you to think very much at all... you will just sit and laugh...
Do make sure you watch all the extra features, the TV adverts are so funny I was in pain laughing...
Enjoy! -
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful
nothing special
Ok film, but nothing special, a few amusing parts, jack black always makes me giggle
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1 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Jack black makes this movie great
We see colin hanks play the high school student desperatly wanting to follow his dream of writing at Yale university. But its not made any easier by his dropout, lazy brother played by none other than Jack Black.
Made even better by John Lithgow performance as his dad
Critics' reviews (3)
-
Rising head and shoulders above the usual “teen comedy” pack thanks to its offbeat observations, quirky sensibilities and marvellous performances, this is also noteworthy for agreeably showcasing the second-generation Hollywood talents of Colin Hanks (Tom's son), Schuyler Fisk (Sissy Spacek's daughter) and Jake Kasdan (director Lawrence's son). It feels so amusingly fresh because Kasdan focuses on extracting wry humour from a colourful ensemble of flawed eccentrics rather than gross-out actions. Set in the “perfect” Californian region of the title, aimless surfer dude Hanks finds his life changed when he discovers a novel buried in the sand and is so struck by its passionate content he decides to become a writer. But, a clerical mistake means his now brilliant grades are attributed to another student and he has 24 hours to fix the error before Stanford University closes its application ranks. Plenty of hearty chuckles and knowing giggles arise from the screwball complications, which are further energised by the brilliant John Lithgow and Catherine O'Hara as Hanks's divorced off-the-wall parents and a host of on-target cameos by Lily Tomlin, Ben Stiller, Harold Ramis, Chevy Chase and Kevin Kline.
-
Low key 'teen comedy, of interest only because it features some second generation Hollywood names behind and before the cameras (and let's hope their parents managed to enjoy it).
-
A byword for laid-back Californian sun, sea and surf, Orange County is also home to Shaun Brumder (Hanks), an easygoing... read more on Time Out
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High school student, Shaun Brumder, has his sights set on gaining a place at Stanford University. His dreams are shattered when he receives a letter of rejection after his counsellor sends the wrong ... -
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