Barely Legal

Barely Legal is a roller-coaster of a comedy that's as raunchy as it is endearing. Directed by Jose Montesinos and written by Naomi Selfman in 2011, the film features an ensemble cast brimming with young talent including Jeneta St. Clair, Lisa Younger, and Melissa Johnston in the main roles. Morgan Benoit adds a unique flair to the supporting cast.

The movie revolves around the lives of three high-school girlfriends, Sue, Cheryl, and Lexi delicately portrayed by Jeneta St. Clair, Lisa Younger, and Melissa Johnston respectively. Their paramount aim in life is to lose their virginity - a universal and pressing issue in the lives of many teenagers. The girls don't only want to break away from their innocuous innocence, but they also wish to gain popularity and status among their school peers - an endeavor many can relate to.

Barely Legal adopts a number of high school comedy tropes, with a unique spin, presenting a different perspective on well-trodden narrative grounds in teen comedy genre. The storyline manages to maintain a perfect balance between humor and struggle, examining the oftentimes humorous and awkward situations these young women find themselves in as they venture towards adulthood.

Jeneta St. Clair puts forth a convincing performance as Sue, the least outgoing but most resourceful of the trio. Her character carries much of the narrative weight, acting as the grounded force and level-headed voice of reason among her friends. Lisa Younger, as Cheryl, wonderfully portrays the attractive and popular girl of the group who seems to have everything but is also plagued by the same fears, doubts, and teenage angst faced by her friends.

On the other hand, Melissa Johnston breathes life into Lexi's character - the wild spirit of the group. She’s the one unafraid to question societal norms, boundaries, and rules. It's her cheeky bravado and joie de vivre that set forth a series of chaotic events, inviting countless humorous situations into the movie's narrative.

Adding an interesting dynamic to the story, Morgan Benoit plays the role of Sylvester 'Sly', an older man who has his own perspectives on the world, love, and sex. His character adds a whole new level to the comedic and chaotic realms of the film, showcasing how an outsider's viewpoint can turn the run-of-the-mill activities of the small town upside down.

Barely Legal transports you back to your teen years, to the times when friendship meant everything, high school was a world in itself, and the biggest quest was to discover oneself. The film manages to bring to light the underlying fears and joys that accompany adolescence without delving too deep into serious drama. The humor is deftly woven into the narrative, without diverting attention from the main plot, making the highs and lows of the girls' lives more palatable and enjoyable for the audience.

The filmmaker's decision to bring in a variety of characters, each with their unique traits, into the storyline benefits the film greatly. We're invited into the lives of these diverse characters, experiencing their ups and downs, their hopes, and dreams. The setting too, typically American and suburban, replete with house parties, high school craze, and friendship sagas adds an everyday charm. This setting will be familiar to many, making the themes of the movie more relatable.

The film’s technical aspects are commendable and worth noting. The cinematography by Stuart Brereton successfully brings out the vibrant colors and daze of youth, effectively portraying the world through the eyes of restless teenagers. The snappy editing combined with a lively soundtrack make the movie more engaging keeping the audience hooked from start to finish.

In short, it is safe to say that Barely Legal is a teen comedy that doesn't fail to entertain. Even though the characters are on a comedic quest that lasts the full movie, they're well-written and relatable enough so that viewers get invested in their journey. It’s a movie that manages to capture the essence of teenagehood - the wild dreams, the thrilling experiences, and the confusing emotions. A great recommendation for those who enjoy light-hearted, comedic films.