General Education

General Education is a fascinating comedy film that lays its plot on the premise of balancing family expectations, personal aspirations, and educational pursuits. Released in 2012, this charming movie stars Chris Sheffield, Maiara Walsh, and Larry Miller in central roles. The narrative follows Levi Collins, played by Sheffield, whose future seems bright, albeit predicated on some white lies. As the storyline unfolds, hilarity ensues, leading to a compelling mixture of stress, comic relief, and navigating the turbulent waters of growing up.

At the onset, we meet the promising tennis star Levi Collins, whose life mantra is to secure a playing position at a local university, a dream equally shared and supported by his parents. His father, Gale Collins (Larry Miller), is a successful businessman who dreams of seeing his son play tennis at the college level. On the other hand, his mother, Gale Collins (Janeane Garofalo), has always been supportive and lenient towards his interests. This idyllic setting takes a sudden turn when Levi learns that he didn't graduate high school due to a failed science class - an inconvenient truth concealed from his enthusiastic parents.

Feeling trapped within the walls of his parents' expectations and the pressure of maintaining his facade, Levi decides to take a summer school course unbeknownst to his family. Expected to maintain regular tennis practice and commitments to his girlfriend, the delightful Ginny Taylor (Maiara Walsh), his life becomes a juggling act. The daily grind of trying to attend his secret summer school while maintaining his daily routines provides the setting for comic relief, providing the audience with moments of laughter.

Stepping into the confusion and chaos of Levi's world, we also meet the diverse range of characters that add to the richness of the plot. Characters such as the neighbor kid and unreliable car dealer, Charles (Skylan Brooks), best friend and loyal confidante, Shady Nick (Bobby Campo), and the quirky summer school teacher, Ms. Lewis (Elaine Hendrix), add depth to the narrative. Their performance, combined with the leading roles, adds a unique flavor to the movie and enlivens the plot. Each character in their own capacity adds a different layer to the story, some offering wisdom while others merely adding to the hilarity and confounding situations Levi finds himself in.

General Education is the brainchild of director Tom Morris and the talented screenwriters Elliot Feld and Jaz Kalkat. The film expertly strikes a balance with its comic timing, endearing character portrayals, and a heartwarming story. Through the characters' relatable struggles, the film highlights the pressures associated with young adulthood and the idea of maintaining outer perceptions, told with a dose of humor.

The way the film captures the essence of Levi's dilemma, torn between meeting family expectations, keeping his secret, maintaining his relationship, and aspiring for his dreams, is truly commendable. It paints an accurate picture of the confusion and hustle that comes with the transition from teenage years to adulthood. The creators ensure the viewers remain engaged in the plot through comedic elements, all while conveying the narrative in a light and entertaining manner.

The film features an upbeat soundtrack that aligns perfectly with its energetic, youthful theme, further enhancing the movie's overall mood. The production quality, cinematography, and set designs are noteworthy, offering a visually pleasing experience while watching the film. The distinct filming locations, based mainly around the city and Levi's home environment, visually reinforce the themes of growing up, familial bonding, and academic struggle.

In conclusion, General Education is a film that subtly explores the anxieties and travels of youth when faced with unexpected hitches in life. Through Levi's character and his journey, viewers are treated to a delightful comedy, combined with the serious undertones of expectations and the authenticity of selfhood. For all those who enjoy a mix of comedy, drama, love, and life lessons, General Education presents a humorous yet touching tale.