Struck by Lightning

Set in the dreary, predictable confines of a small town, the 2012 dramedy Struck by Lightning captivates audiences with its blend of humor, pathos, and an unwavering dose of reality. The film boasts an ensemble cast, featuring big names like Chris Colfer, Rebel Wilson, and Christina Hendricks. Colfer, who is best recognized for his role on Fox's hit show "Glee," penned the smart, satirical screenplay for the film, making his debut as a writer.

Struck by Lightning chronicles the life, dreams, and untimely death of Carson Phillips, an ambitious high school student craving a life beyond the restraints of his hometown. Colfer delivers a strong performance as Carson, drawing on the potent combination of wry wit and underlying sadness that the character encompasses. The narrative unfolds through Carson’s perspective as he relates his post-death tale from the great beyond.

Just about to graduate, Carson yearns for more than the monotony that his school, family, and peers have to offer. His dream is to be a published, admired journalist studying at Northwestern University. However, his life is far from easy. Carson is not particularly popular, his friends are few, and he's continually trying to deal with his dysfunctional family. Carson's parents are divorced — his mother, played by Allison Janney, is a pill-popping nurse who's lost in her past, and his father, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney, is largely absent and has started a new family with April, played by Christina Hendricks.

Carson's coping mechanism is his biting, sarcastic wit and his endeavors as the editor of the high school newspaper, the only platform where his voice is heard. His only real ally comes in the form of Rebel Wilson’s character, Malerie Baggs, an offbeat student who is also an aspiring writer. Their bond, built over shared dreams and mutual disillusionment with their place in life, forms some of the most endearing moments in the film.

Carson's pursuit of a life beyond his mundane existence leads him to concoct a manipulative plan. His idea is to strong-arm his classmates into writing for the school literary magazine, which he hopes will boost his college application and help him get noticed by his dream college. The narrative cleverly unveils the dynamics between Carson and his classmates as he crafts his plan, shedding light on the complexities of the student body's wide array of personalities.

The film is refreshingly realistic, breaking free of the glamour and sheen often showcased in teen films. Struck by Lightning is valiant in its honesty of the trials and triumphs of growing up. The dialogue, laced with snappy comebacks and caustic humor, adds a unique flavor to the film.

Director Brian Dannelly, who previously made his mark in the genre of teenage drama with the movie "Saved," once again brings his expertise to the fore. His direction combines seamlessly with Colfer’s sharp script to produce an engaging, insightful movie experience. Struck by Lightning manages not to Nosedive into the realm of cliched high school movies, even though it employs some of the familiar genre tenets. It skillfully depicts high school as a place where young people grapple with their identities, choices, and inescapable realities.

The storytelling is also enhanced by the clever use of flashback. Viewers are introduced to the end at the very start of the story, with Carson's unfortunate demise by a lightning strike. Hence, the title Struck by Lightning. However, this event does not serve to spoil the plot but rather adds an intriguing layer of interest as we delve into Carson's journey.

In summary, Struck by Lightning is a powerful portrayal of high school life that fuses together elements of comedy, drama, and tragedy. Weaving its way through outspoken humor and heartfelt sentiments, the film delves into the profound issue of fitting into societal norms. Its exploration of the pressures of adolescence, hinged on a brilliant script and compelling performances, elevates it from the crowd. For viewers in search of a telling commentary on the perils and pleasures of teenage life, Struck by Lightning might hit just the right note.