It Takes Three

"It Takes Three" presents us with a fresh take on the teen romantic genre, blended with a high school adventure that seizes our attention from beginning to end. Released in 2021, this movie underscores the quintessential high school experience with a hint of nostalgia plus a modern streak. It successfully aligns the charm of teenage friendships, the confusion of first-love, and the complexities of self-discovery, something many viewers will find relatable and endearing.

The narrative revolves around three main characters, showcasing the exceptional performances of Jared Gilman, Aurora Perrineau, and Mikey Madison. The plot launches into motion when an overbearing and complicated social environment at a seemingly ordinary high school becomes the backdrop for these three protagonists.

First, we meet Jared Gilman's character, an academically proficient and awkwardly charming student. Through Gilman's skilled performance, we explore a character navigating the high school labyrinth, bullied for his intelligence and introverted nature. However, he is also resourceful and harbors an inner strength that ends up playing a pivotal role in the story.

Next, we come across Aurora Perrineau's character. She skillfully embodies the role of a most-wanted cheerleader, basking in popularity yet emotionally disengaged. Her character sketch adds an interesting dimension to the movie, defining the toils of hiding personal challenges behind a mask of popularity and always being the center of attention.

Mikey Madison’s character stands somewhere in-between, caught in the conflict of wanting to fit in yet longing to be recognized for who she truly is, beyond the labels and stereotypes. Madison's portrayal shines through this character's growth and development in the movie.

Although likened to a modern twist on the classic Cyrano de Bergerac setup, the story pieces together in a unique arrangement all of its own. An unlikely trio emerges from the cluster of high school students, thrown together by a daring plan to woo the unreachable cheerleader. Unforeseen circumstances push these three classmates to join forces, setting in motion a series of events that revolve around a classic hallmarked love triangle. However, the film diverges from the predictable route by offering viewers an unexpected blend of hilarity, emotions, and confusion instead of the traditional drama that usually enfolds within such a premise. The characters’ differing personalities further add layers to the story, introducing diverse perspectives that stroke various strings of human emotions.

"It Takes Three" strikes a balance between typical high school comedic moments and significant underlying themes of understanding, acceptance, and self-worth. Despite being a romantic comedy, the narrative smartly probes into deeper issues like the pressure of societal norms and the difficult path to self-discovery, especially during the transformative teenage years.

The film's direction allows viewers to traverse through the well-loved universal high school setting while providing an authentic and contemporary exploration of teen dynamics. The vibe is youthful and energetic, and you are guaranteed to find yourself reminiscing about your high school days, whether you’re laughing at the comedic bits or nodding in agreement at the more melodramatic moments.

Beautifully shot, "It Takes Three" also boasts a lively soundtrack that perfectly complements the film's overall mood and theme. The cinematography is appealing, ensuring audiences are visually engaged while the smart writing keeps them emotionally invested.

In summary, "It Takes Three" offers a hilarious, heartwarming, and thought-provoking cinematic experience that strikes a chord with viewers of all ages. It is a vivid reminder of the roller-coaster ride that high school can be and a poignant testament to the power of friendship and self-discovery. It’s a must-watch for all fans of teen rom-coms, promising an enjoyable watch with its clever plot and charismatic characters, and relatable themes.