Smartass

Smartass is a 2017 compelling, coming-of-age drama that humorously blends soft teenage angst with deep societal issues. Directed by the adept Jena Serbu, it predominantly features an outstanding cast, including the eminently talented Joey King, dashing Luke Pasqualino, and widely acclaimed Yvette Nicole Brown.

The film's narrative primarily focuses on the 15-year-old Freddie, the character exceptionally portrayed by Joey King. Freddie is an audacious and impulsive teenager who runs away from her regular suburban home to the sun-soaked, laissez-faire wilderness of Southern California. Leaving behind her realm, she decides to forge her path, with her vivacious spirit and smarts being her unique superpowers.

Along the journey, she experiences a wild adventure, comprising a swirl of strange hostel guests, hitchhiking escapades, unexpected friendships, and several run-ins with unpredictable law enforcement agents. Joey King infuses the character of Freddie with captivating zeal and deftness, allowing the audience to follow her journey with an ever-growing emotional connection.

Opposite Joey King, we have Luke Pasqualino, playing the character of Jay, a charismatic yet mysterious man Freddie stumbles upon during her odyssey. The chemistry between Freddie and Jay brings a spice in the storyline, with their interactions teetering between roguish wit and teenage romance. Pasqualino showcases his versatile acting prowess as he navigates the layers and complexities of his character, balancing the enigmatic persona of Jay with a genuinely compassionate human being.

Complementing this bubbling youthful energy is Yvette Nicole Brown, who puts in a stellar performance, injecting a dose of matured realism. Her character serves as a mirror to the grim societal realities lurking behind the freedom and nonchalant chaos Freddie explores. The juxtaposition of these two worlds signifies the film’s unique approach to highlighting societal complexities via a coming-of-age narrative.

Smartass presents an array of vivid emotions and complexities of a teenager’s world while intertwining it with unconventional adventures. Writer-director Jena Serbu superbly marries the elements of drama, comedy, adventure, and societal commentary, constructing a narrative tapestry that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

Most notably, the central character Freddie is not your conventional protagonist – she is reactive, impulsive, and undeniably flawed. Yet, it is her tenacity, resilience, and courageous attitude that make her so relatable and endearing, and you can't help but root for her. Joey King’s performance brings an exceptional depth and nuance to Freddie’s character, making it uniquely hers.

Luke Pasqualino’s role adds a cool, mysterious sage-like element to the movie, offering contemporary wisdom through his interactions with Freddie. His character is compelling, effortlessly shifting between the persona of a mentor and potential love interest with artistic finesse.

The narrative spreads its wings beyond its central characters and also addresses a broad range of social and cultural issues head-on. Smartass provides a fair share of commentary about law enforcement, defying societal norms, adolescent rebellion, and the age-old question of what it means to really grow up.

The director's vision weaves a story that is as nuanced as it is bold, hitting bluntly about the real, unsweetened world and testing the waters of the idyllic teenage rebellion. The eccentric structure and unique delivery style culminate in a coming-of-age story that ultimately questions the notion of maturity and freedom while maintaining an engaging narrative.

Smartass, in essence, perfectly encapsulates a riveting journey of self-discovery borne out of rebellion, laced with humor, adventure, and thought-provoking contemplation. From the mesmerizing performances by the leading cast to the visually appealing cinematographic palette of Southern California, the movie ensures an enthralling sensory experience.

Through the highs and lows, Smartass takes its viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions that delve deep into the human spirit's resilience and adaptability. It brilliantly portrays how every misadventure forms a part of the cycle of growing up, along with the understated realization that the journey is always more important than the destination.