“21 & Over” is a drinking, party, comedy film circled around three friends trying to celebrate a 21st birthday. You would think that there’d be no drama in an event like that; going out, celebrating, having a few drinks with friends… but no, this is no ordinary situation.
Here we are introduced to three friends, Miles Teller as “Miller”, Skylar Astin as “Casey” and “Jeff Chang” played by Justin Chon. Long time friends, Miller and Casey decide to pay their friend, Jeff Chang a visit to help celebrate his 21st birthday. The problem is Jeff Chang has a “tiger dad” played by François Chau who has organised a medical school interview for his son the following morning to push him in the right direction in becoming a doctor.
Jeff Chang is under strict orders to be dressed and ready by 7am as his father would be picking him up for the interview the next day. Because of this, Jeff Chang is reluctant to celebrate his birthday in the way his friends, Miller and Casey expect. With much convincing, Jeff Chang, Miller and Casey soon embark on a celebration trail which starts off fine, goes well and everything is fine until it is time for the birthday boy to go home.
I was reluctant to watch this film and was convinced on giving it a misssince it is from the creators of “The Hangover” which I did not really enjoy as it’s not really my sense of humour. However, I actually enjoyed “21 & Over” – maybe because it was aimed more at a younger audience and it still had a basic plot to get the birthday boy home on time. Besides “21 & Over” being a comedy, the film is also about friendship, making your own decisions and ceasing the moment.
I understand the basis behind this film but here are a few hiccups in my opinion; I found this film difficult to relate to considering in most countries you are legally allowed to drink at the age of 18, and the concept of fraternities and sororities is more of an American thing.
Considering this is an internationally released film, I believe that many people around the world wouldn’t really think much about the apparent “iconic” notion of turning 21 due to this fact, and I dare-say it won’t do nearly as well internationally because of this. Nevertheless, I was quite jealous with the idea of the “tower of power” and sort of wished I could experience that kind of party for myself – but there’s nothing like that here.
Overall, “21 & Over” may not be anything special, but it is a fun, crazy movie which does exactly what it aims to achieve (even if it probably will only do well in it’s own country). It’s a good watch, but not worth it at the cinemas – just wait for it to come out on DVD.