Project X (2012) Review

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Synopsis:

Witness it.

Three seemingly anonymous high school seniors attempt to finally make a name for themselves. Their idea is innocent enough: Let’s throw a party that no one will forget…

Review

Parties. I am sure we have all been, hosted or viewed (movie) a party before, so when I heard about this film and that it had been shot in POV format, I was very intrigued to see how it was going to turn out. After all, not every party is the same and a whole host of crazy things could partake. I highly recommend not watching the trailer as this movie consists of elements that will make you “whoa out loud” and would actually spoil your viewing. I am pleased to announce the movie is an insanely fun ride and one you won’t soon forget about.

The film begins with the usual brief intro to our 3 key teenagers that we follow throughout the feature. Each has their own unique personality to mix things up. There are other select characters that stand out from the crowd (if only for a brief moment), or may get more screen time as they are there to add story/events which continuants the film and to make it more interesting than just a movie about a party. Each cast member acted just how they should, although some scenes have a slight “holly-wood” feel to them, but that’s going to be a given when you start including more “talking” characters in a POV film.

The story is traditional, but the main feature that makes it stand out is of course the POV format. You almost feel like a member of the party which gives you an unfamiliar vantage point of what’s happening. What I thought added a nice touch is the inclusion of natural party “happenings” as well as the more outrageous moments that most likely wouldn’t happen at a more normal party, no matter how wild it could get.

I have stated before, it is a POV film. You either like them or you don’t. I, for one, am a big fan of the format. The camera work in this particular film is done very well as they include a whole variety of different views and multiple moments, done in a variety of qualities, even cell-phone cameras are used. You really get a feel for how the party is and that’s what makes this flick unique. Be warned, there are a few scenes where the camera work is extremely chaotic, so if you have a weak stomach, you may want to look away, however most of the picture is done as stable as possible.

I can’t exactly speak about the “Party Events” aka Special Effects (that’s what I am going to call them) as that’s what makes this film stand out from any other party movie. You are in for some insane viewing…that’s all I can say.

As for any qualms about the movie, there are a few plot holes here and there, but without them the film just wouldn’t work. You have to look past it and enjoy what you are viewing…it’s a party after all! This is cinema, which, for a lot of viewers, will be a hit or miss as it caters to a younger generation, that’s not to say some parents would not get a kick out of it…or be distraught in what they are going to see.

At the end of the day, you get parties and then you get “Project X”. This film pulls out all the stops that could possibly be thrown at you…at a party! It’s a wild ride and is done in an interestingly enough manner putting you in the frontlines of this crazy event. It should make you think about yourself a little, whether you still party…or don’t. It has done well at the box office with a budget of $12million and has gone on to gross $42million.

Worth the Watch if: You are a fan of POV, enjoy a good party movie or want to watch something crazy/mindless for an hour and twenty minutes.

Trailer

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