This Is the Year

This Is the Year is a 2020 film featuring talented actors such as Alyssa Jirrels, David Henrie, and Vanessa Marano, amongst others. Directed by David Henrie, the movie blends together elements of romance, comedy, and coming-of-age narratives to create a heartfelt journey filled with laughs, love, and life lessons.

The story revolves around Josh (Lorenzo James Henrie), a quintessential high school senior idealist who isn't much of a hit with the ladies. Josh harbors secret feelings for his long-time friend and neighbor, Molly (Vanessa Marano), who is otherwise occupied with her boyfriend. Set in a classic high-school backdrop, the film explores the complexities of teenage friendships, relationships, and the fear of stepping out of one's comfort zone.

Alyssa Jirrels plays Zoey, an engaging beauty and popular girl, whose path spirals Josh into a whirlwind of emotions, stirring further complications. With a realistic portrayal of teenagers, their dreams, aspirations, and their struggles with love, the film manages to strike a chord with the audience.

Key to the narrative is a road trip that is powered by the opportunity to witness the final performance of their favorite band - Lovelytheband. This journey towards the illustrious music concert forms the crux of the movie. As they navigate this journey, each character unfolds layers of their personalities allowing the audience to empathize and connect with them on different levels.

The film effectively utilizes music as an essential storytelling element. Music becomes not just a backdrop, but a key player in driving the narrative and enhancing the emotional depth of the characters' journeys. The concert provides the perfect setting for discoveries and revelations.

The movie focuses strongly on the transition from innocence to maturity. It addresses the essential adolescent truth - understanding that people and situations aren't always what they seem and that high school idealism doesn't always align with real-world experiences. There’s a hero's journey to be seen here, not in terms of typical Hollywood feats of grandeur, but in terms of emotional growth and personal understanding.

This Is the Year is meticulously sprinkled with elements of humor, ensuring to maintain a light-hearted tone despite addressing deep-seated emotional turmoil. The moments of humor balance the drama and keep the audience engaged throughout the characters' journey.

The acting performances are realistic and engaging, with Lorenzo James Henrie demonstrating the perfect blend of teenage exuberance and vulnerability. Vanessa Marano is compelling as a girl next door while Alyssa Jirrels brings out the complexities of a character stooped in popularity but harboring inner vulnerabilities. The rest of the cast, including Gregg Sulkin, Jeff Wahlberg, and others, contributes to the authenticity and charm of the story with their equally commendable performances.

David Henrie's directorial debut brings alive the largely experienced teenage emotions in an authentic, relatable manner. The intricate detailing of each character’s personality, the dynamics of high school relationships, intricately woven with music, comedy, and drama results in a beautiful portrayal of youth in all its forms.

Visually, the movie resonates with the vibrant energy and spirit of youth: dynamic, lively, and colorful. Cinematography plays a significant role in the film, emphasizing the mood of each scene effectively, whether it's the fun and frolic of the road trip, the thrill and excitement of the concert, or the heartfelt moments of self-discovery.

In essence, This Is the Year is a comforting yet thought-provoking exploration of the teenage journey, filled with moments of joy, love, heartbreak, and ultimately transformation. It's a heartwarming tribute to youth, reminding everyone about the fine line between growing up and letting go.

This film serves as an affirmation of connections, teenage dreams, and the excitement of truly experiencing life for the first time - from falling in love, heartbreak, and discovering oneself. It expertly combines poignant moments with scenes that encourage smiles, leaving the viewer with a profound takeaway - embrace the journey as that is where you learn, grow, and become better.

Drawing on traditional and contemporary themes, This Is the Year takes the classic feel-good movie to another level. It encourages the viewers to reminisce about their high school days, teenage dreams, and the journey they undertook to transcend into adulthood. This highly relatable film with its stand-out performances and unique storyline makes it a must-watch for every age group.