This is a genuinely funny movie that should appeal to a wide audience. My friend and I just watched it, and we both enjoyed the experience. It’s an excellent comedy that seems designed for two distinct groups: younger viewers and their parents who remember the cultural landscape of twenty years ago, as it incorporates numerous references familiar to them. Even though I was quite young in 2002, on the cusp of adolescence, some aspects still resonated with a sense of nostalgia. The plot is straightforward but effective, centering around Stephanie’s desire for popularity and acceptance after being excluded at school. She transforms into the ideal teenage archetype: attractive, blonde, a cheerleader, seemingly having everything – a desirable boyfriend and a bright future. The ultimate goal was to be crowned Prom Queen and host a big party afterward, including losing her virginity. However, that didn't happen; during an elaborate dance sequence orchestrated by a rival, she falls and ends up in a coma for two decades. Upon waking in 2022, she’s confronted with a changed world: her body is different, time has passed, her boyfriend married her rival, and she’s lost everything she once wanted. So, she decides to return to high school to finish what she started and become Prom Queen… only to discover that the tradition has been abolished! The script weaves in cultural references from the 90s and early 2000s, including films and TV shows like *Sex and the City*, *Deep Impact*, *Aly McBeal*, and *Clueless*, as well as musicians such as Britney Spears, Madonna, and Mandy Moore. Those of us who were teenagers between 2000 and 2010 will recognize these elements – they defined our trends and styles. The film also offers commentary on how today’s youth approach social and environmental issues, virtual life, and social media. It's easy to become detached from reality when surrounded by thousands of online friends and followers, and the movie criticizes young people who spend excessive time on these platforms and the “influencers” who profit from them, while also poking fun at the superficiality with which many approach environmental causes. The film presents a diverse cast, including characters of various ethnicities and sexual orientations, both explicitly and implicitly. This reflects Hollywood’s increasing emphasis on inclusivity following movements like Me Too and the prior Oscar boycott by black actors, although I personally dislike when films are overtly used for political or social messaging. Rebel Williams delivers a strong performance as the lead. She's an experienced actress who has previously showcased her talent in comedies like *Hustle* and dance movies like *Pitch Perfect*, and she appears to be one of Australia’s most promising comedic actresses right now. The film also features notable appearances by Justin Hartley, Sam Richardson, Zoe Chao, Mary Holland, and Chris Parnell, all of whom did excellent work, with Chao, Richardson, and Holland particularly deserving recognition. Among the younger cast members, Angourie Rice and Jade Bender both stand out. Alicia Silverstone also makes a cameo appearance, reprising a type of role she’s previously played. From a technical standpoint, the film feels somewhat understated. The cinematography is standard, lacking any major visual flourishes, and the camera work employs a conventional style. Filmed in Georgia but set in Maryland, the production team chose their locations well and utilized high-quality CGI animation to create many of its sets. The soundtrack effectively incorporates recognizable pop songs, and there are several impressive dance sequences where Williams truly shines.

Source on TMDB