Common Sense Media Review
By Tracy Moore
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Crass coming-of-age tale is full of profanity, sex jokes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Not Cool
What's the Story?
Scott (Shane Dawson) is back home for Thanksgiving break, only to find out he's been dumped. Luckily, he finds a burgeoning friendship in former classmate Tori, who has changed a lot since her days as an acne-ridden high school geek. As they explore the possibility of a new, more adult relationship, they must confront the past, their high school reputations, their hometown life, and whether it's possible to forgive and forget.
Is It Any Good?
NOT COOL is what happens when you make a movie that's curiously devoid of human connection. It lacks what movies such as American Pie or Superbad arguably have: a warmth and nostalgia for a certain kind of coming of age as well as more believable relationships. Here, nearly every character is out for him or herself, awash in a pose of trendy quippy-ness, ironic detachment, and mean-spiritedness that keeps everyone one-dimensional. Plus, the jokes aren't funny; they are racist, sexist, homophobic, or gross as a general rule.
Teens who like comedies in this vein may find a few vulgarly funny jokes to keep them interested, but unless they're prepping for a film major and want to learn the ins and outs of how not to do raunch, there's virtually nothing of substance, comedically or otherwise, to glean here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the film's deliberately politically incorrect stance. Does this serve the film in any way?
Underneath the jokes that target every possible minority group, is there any heart to this movie? Does it ring true as a story about young people? Why, or why not?
Do these characters seem believable or relatable? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 19, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : February 17, 2015
- Cast : Shane Dawson , Drew Monson
- Director : Shane Dawson
- Studio : Anchor Bay Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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