lthough expectedly juvenile, “Full Of It” manages to induce loads of laughter with immature gags and riotous jokes, all reminiscent of exaggerated high school situations and the stereotyped upper echelons of their respective cliques. Admirably including such nostalgic themes as lusting after a teacher, going with the homecoming queen, being well endowed, and cruising in a red-hot Porsche, this feel-good comedy tops the charts as a prominent foray into adolescent humor that anyone can enjoy. Plus, this is accomplished with an almost unknown cast and a first-time feature director (Christian Charles).

When Sam Leonard (Ryan Pinkston) transfers to a new high school for his senior year, he discovers that “fitting in” is a hardship he can’t seem to overcome. Desperate for approval in his new surroundings, he seeks advice from a misguided guidance counselor who recommends lying to achieve acceptance. When his seemingly minor lies appear to be advantageous, a sudden turn of events has his fabrications coming true. At first, these wishes grant Sam his every fantasy, but soon he discovers that what he truly desires is rapidly slipping from his grasp as the nuisances of “being cool” unravel his ideal life.

While “Full Of It” capitalizes primarily on jokes encompassing immaturity and a little decadency, it also cleverly exaggerates high school conventions and mocks the significance of conformity. Sam feels his troubles will be over and popularity will embrace him should he simply work his way into superior crowds, but through the ordeals resulting from his manifested lies, it becomes apparent that the road to contentment is traversed by being himself – not through succumbing to the insipid lives of those he admires. He also learns the importance of family and the duplicitous nature of the lifestyle he originally strove to imitate. True love and friendship is right in front of him – it just takes a few drastic realities and procrastinatory hyperboles to enlighten him.

Ryan Pinkston perfectly captures the awkward adolescence and teen angst required for the role of Sam Leonard. Capturing his character’s apprehension with commendable finesse, Pinkston truly drives the story with the believability necessary to complement the absurdity of the plot. Kate Mara plays love interest Annie with a rebellious spunk, while the antagonistically snobbish homecoming queen Vicki Sanders is portrayed by Amanda Walsh with much needed virulence. Comparably, the adults in the film garner little screen time, though they’re appropriately displayed with the comedic timing requisite for their supportive roles; the standout guidance counselor (played by Craig Kilborn), however, provides both hilariously cynical deliveries and horribly askew opinions.

While immature jokes abound, an underlying emphasis on self-worth and the negative effects of deceit enables “Full Of It” to transcend the typical teen comedy to become a more fulfilling, age-unrestricted experience. Add on a brilliantly animated protagonist and observing the humorous tragedies of his exploits might cause as much laughter as the reflection on the values of social hierarchy – because happiness and honesty are most important, or so says the message portion of the production. Slightly tapering in creative proficiency toward its close (as many comedies of its kind do), “Full Of It” still retains a surprisingly assertive finale, effectively resolving its conflicts with an unexpectedly entertaining (though not overly cerebral) blend of humor and pathos.

– Joel Massie