Jawbreaker makes for one sickeningly sweet good time . . .
This film was reminiscent for me of great teenage angst films such as
Heathers and
The Craft. It is always hard to be the odd man out as initial part of the popular clique, Julie Freeman (
Rebecca Gayheart), is soon to find out as she goes against the other alpha females in her pack -- Marcie Fox (
Julie Benz) and Courtney Alice Shayne (
Rose McGowan).
The film starts out innocently enough with a birthday prank on one of their own, Liz Purr (
Charlotte Ayanna). Their prank goes horribly wrong as Miss Purr chokes on the Jawbreaker they stuck in her mouth and duck taped shut. Things go from bad to worse when two members of the group decide to cover up their little escapade. Yep you guessed it, Miss Freeman doesn't think this is a good idea from the get go.
Things get even more complicated when innocent, Fern Mayo (
Judy Greer) shows up at Liz's place to drop off some homework just as the girls are completing their cover up. But have no fear, Courtney and Marcie have a plan that involves sprucing up dull and boring Fern to make her bloom into Vylette -- only catch is she has to keep quiet about what she has seen. Fern agrees and the girls commence their rebirthing of Fern to Vylette.
At some point during all of this, Julie really can't take anymore and she runs seeking the comfort of her new buddy Zack (
Chad Christ) who also happens to be the love interest of the new and improved Vylette. She is convinced that things have gone too far once Courtney goes to insane lengths to smear Liz's name and then turns on Vylette.
I have to mention a couple of really interesting characters in this film, most noteworthy being Pam Grier in her role as Detective Vera Cruz. I have to admit that she probably would have scared me into giving my confession. Also mentionable is Carol Kane as a school administrator who cannot see beneath the glossy surface of her students. I also thought it interesting to see the small role played by P.J. Soles as the mother of the unfortunate Ms. Purr.
All's well that ends well though and this particular teenage cover up film ended pretty well with the wicked getting their just desserts. A definite must see for anyone who is a fan of this genre.
Jawbreaker Movie Cast and Credits
Directed by
Darren Stein
Writing credits
Darren Stein
Cast (in credits order)
Rose McGowan .... Courtney Alice Shayne
Rebecca Gayheart .... Julie Freeman
Julie Benz .... Marcie Fox
Judy Greer .... Fern Mayo/Vylette
Ethan Erickson .... Dane Sanders
Chad Christ .... Zack Tartak
Charlotte Ayanna .... Elizabeth 'Liz' Purr (as Charlotte Roldan)
Tatyana Ali .... Brenda Chad
P.J. Soles .... Mrs. Purr
William Katt .... Mr. Purr
Jeff Conaway .... Marcie's Father
Marilyn Manson .... The Stranger
Carol Kane .... Ms. Sherwood
Pam Grier .... Detective Vera Cruz
Kall Harrington .... Superstar #1
Alexis Smart .... Superstar #2
Allie Moss .... Superstar #3 (as Allison Thayer)
Alexandra Adi .... Cheerleader #1
Lisa Robin Kelly .... Cheerleader #2
Michael McLafferty .... College Stud
Joni Allen .... Make-Up Monger #1
Vylette Fagerholm .... Make-Up Monger #2
Ann Zupa .... Gothic Girl
Brian Gattas .... Drama Student #1
Claudine Claudio .... Drama Student #2
Jessica Gaynes .... Wannabe #1
Jane Leigh Connelly .... Wannabe #2 (as Jane Connelly)
Tommy McKay .... Officer
Marita Black .... Dreamgirl #1
Dan Gerrity .... Dreamperson #2
Rebecca Street .... Mom Freeman
Sandy Martin .... Nurse
Rachel Winfree .... English Teacher
Sophia Abu Jamara .... Biology Teacher
Donna Pieroni .... Cooking Teacher
Rick Lindland .... Auto Shop Stud
Billy Butler .... High School Stud #2
Brett Anderson .... The Donnas Vocalist (as Donna A.)
Torry Castellano .... Donna C. - The Donnas
Maya Ford .... Donna F. - The Donnas
Allison Robertson .... Donna R. - The Donnas
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jan Linder .... Customer (uncredited)
Bob Tennent .... High School Stud #3 (uncredited)
Lisa Tornell .... High School Student (voice) (uncredited)
Jawbreaker Movie Reviews From Around The Web
Jawbreaker Movie Reviews at Rotten TomatoesJawbreaker Movie Review and Information Page at The Internet Movie Database
