Perhaps it's because when one sees, "MTV Films", in the opening credits, one's expectations then hit rock bottom. It's as if MTV lulled me into a false sense of security, knowing the usual "depth" of their projects. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this little film. It doesn't hurt that I could watch Scarlett Johansson sitting on a couch doing nothing and I'd be enthralled for hours. At any rate, I found the film, though cliched, quite cute. Roy, the obvious comic relief, played his role very effectively, I laughed at him often. The other characters were of lesser involvement, but several stereotypical demographics were adequately represented: the brain, the jock, the average joe, the stoner, the angry rich girl, and the decent good guy. It truly was as if MTV was trying to create "The Breakfast Club", twenty years later, for a new generation. If they succeeded in that is debatable, but at least the made a decent, funny flick.
103 Reviews
Mild, entertaining distraction
CuriosityKilledShawn11 September 2004
There's lots of clichés and stereotypes to endure when watching a high school movie. For the most of it, The Perfect Score manages to avoid most of these clichés though the characters are a bit stereotypical. There's the brainy kid, the rebel, the stoner, the loser, the jock and the good guy. Hardly a breathtaking assortment of originals eh?
But their plan to steal the SAT scores and their interaction together are what make this movie worthwhile. The unimaginative marketing for this movie claims it to be Ocean's 11 meets The Breakfast Club. But the actors are carrying the movie, doing the best they can with weak material, rather than the 'wild' premise.
I especially liked Roy, the stoner and narrator as he got the most back story and had more a character arc than the rest of them. And it was pleasant to have the lovely, oh-so-cute Erika Christensen though I'm not too fussed about Scarlett Johansen (she looks like a teenage version of my mother!). A non-Shaggy, but still manic, Matthew Lillard has a small role as a concerned big brother.
You'll not remember it 5 minutes after the credits role but for a non-threatening, easy-going movie The Perfect Score fits nicely. You could do a helluva lot worse. And what else do you expect from an MTV movie?
The DVD is in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen with lackluster Dolby 5.1, though to be fair it mostly a dialogue-driven movie. There are a bunch of fluff features for those who care.
But their plan to steal the SAT scores and their interaction together are what make this movie worthwhile. The unimaginative marketing for this movie claims it to be Ocean's 11 meets The Breakfast Club. But the actors are carrying the movie, doing the best they can with weak material, rather than the 'wild' premise.
I especially liked Roy, the stoner and narrator as he got the most back story and had more a character arc than the rest of them. And it was pleasant to have the lovely, oh-so-cute Erika Christensen though I'm not too fussed about Scarlett Johansen (she looks like a teenage version of my mother!). A non-Shaggy, but still manic, Matthew Lillard has a small role as a concerned big brother.
You'll not remember it 5 minutes after the credits role but for a non-threatening, easy-going movie The Perfect Score fits nicely. You could do a helluva lot worse. And what else do you expect from an MTV movie?
The DVD is in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen with lackluster Dolby 5.1, though to be fair it mostly a dialogue-driven movie. There are a bunch of fluff features for those who care.
Better than expected
jpintar28 July 2004
The Perfect Score is one of those movies you would expect to be incredibly stupid. The premise is absurd: kids try to steal the answers to the SAT. However, I found myself enjoying this movie. The characters are likable and have good reason to cross the line to cheat on the SAT. I especially enjoy Erika Christenson (who I didn't recognize from her work in Traffic and Swimfam) as the girl who needs a high SAT score to get into Brown University. This movie shows the pressure that high school students have on standardized testing in general. Their grades may be good, but without a good score on this one test makes the difference in what college they can get into. I was not a fan of standardized tests in high school and I do not like them now. I think that dislike of these tests adds to the appeal the movie. I give this movie a 6/10. It is worth 90 minutes of your time.
Cheating or not... as long as you pass that exam!
Rido253 June 2004
Imagine, you failed your SAT test and your environment is pushing you so hard that you HAVE to pass for the retest. But, you're just not good enough. Or that the university you would like to go to requires a score that is way-beyond your capabilities.
What would you do? And if you decide to cheat, would you keep it a secret or would you share it with some people? In this movie, the secret leaks out and more people get involved in the plan: to steal the answers.
The diversity of characters in this movie often leads to funny situations or strange conversations.
The movie itself is a little predictable, but it stays nice. I would say, 7 out of 10.
What would you do? And if you decide to cheat, would you keep it a secret or would you share it with some people? In this movie, the secret leaks out and more people get involved in the plan: to steal the answers.
The diversity of characters in this movie often leads to funny situations or strange conversations.
The movie itself is a little predictable, but it stays nice. I would say, 7 out of 10.
The perfect no-brainer
jappegood19 June 2004
Of course, this isn't great citizen kane style cinema, but this movie is fun to watch, especially if you are in the target demographic like me. This is a typical teen/college movie, minus the grossness of movies like American pie. If you liked "Better luck tomorrow" (also distributed by MTV films), then I think you will like this one. I have to say that "better luck tomorrow" was a much, much, better teen scam/heist movie, but this one rolls along merrily. The script isn't really well done, but it has a few good jokes, like "If they make it into a movie, I wonder who'll play me...I hope your hung like a horse." Scarlet Johansson is great, as always, even with this auto-pilot acting.(like in eight legged feaks, but tha's what I like about Scarlet. She switches from camp/kitch/crap to great movies without any difficulty) The movie is perfect for when you're way to stressed because of your exams at college, like me today.
Relatable But Regrettable
Miroslav-274 December 2021
Despite its relatable subject matter, The Perfect Score delivers a less than perfect portrayal of the well-documented issue of standardized tests. Yes, the film takes a more light-hearted approach on purpose (and kudos to the Matrix reference scene), but it feels like the film is dancing in the shallow end of a very deep body of water. There are a number of hot topics that are quickly glossed over, and the moral of the story becomes glaringly obvious way too early.
All that being said, there are a few chuckles and it's fun to see some A-list celebs when they were younger. You'll just need to look past the cheesy romance, sub-par acting, and unrealistic plot points to get the most out of it. Any secret hopes you have that this is a high school version Ocean's Eleven movie should be dampered.
Verdict: Watch.
All that being said, there are a few chuckles and it's fun to see some A-list celebs when they were younger. You'll just need to look past the cheesy romance, sub-par acting, and unrealistic plot points to get the most out of it. Any secret hopes you have that this is a high school version Ocean's Eleven movie should be dampered.
Verdict: Watch.
Not the greatest teen movie, but not the worst, either
margoworld26 November 2004
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILERS INSIDE
I had pretty high expectations of this movie; it has Scarlett Johanson in it (great actress) and looked good in the previews. Twenty minutes in I realized that the acting seemed amateur, overall. Darius Miles's, especially. The guy had pretty much no feeling in his voice - I think some members of our high school drama club can act better. Scarlett Johanson was fine, but her performance didn't look that great next to all the mediocre actors.
When the two main guy characters were in the bathroom discussing their plan to steal the SAT's and Leonardo Nam made his first appearance, my brothers and I laughed so hard. I know it's stupid humor, but that guy as the Asian stoner Roy was the highlight of the movie for us. The way he talked and the stuff he said was so hilarious. I wouldn't have enjoyed the movie nearly as much of it weren't for him.
The best word to describe this movie is average. When I saw it was put out by MTV I thought, I hope it doesn't suck, then. It is an interesting plot idea that they could've taken so much further and made into a much better movie. The way they tried to get into the character's lives (humanize them as someone else said) seemed very Breakfast Clubish, but more cliché and less thought out. Maybe this is supposed to be The Breakfast club for the new generation, but it just doesn't measure up.
This movie really got me thinking about SAT's. I am a freshman in high school. The movie did a good job showing the reality of doing whatever necessary to get a decent score.
Many parts of the plot were unrealistic. The way they just managed to FIND the SAT scores as easily as they did. I mean, honestly, in real life they would not be nearly that accessible. There were only a few roadblocks. Also, the romance between Francesca and Matty wasn't that realistic either.
A fine movie to watch if you have nothing else to do. It's way better than a TV movie, not boring, and I think it's worth watching just to see Leonardo Nam's performance!
I had pretty high expectations of this movie; it has Scarlett Johanson in it (great actress) and looked good in the previews. Twenty minutes in I realized that the acting seemed amateur, overall. Darius Miles's, especially. The guy had pretty much no feeling in his voice - I think some members of our high school drama club can act better. Scarlett Johanson was fine, but her performance didn't look that great next to all the mediocre actors.
When the two main guy characters were in the bathroom discussing their plan to steal the SAT's and Leonardo Nam made his first appearance, my brothers and I laughed so hard. I know it's stupid humor, but that guy as the Asian stoner Roy was the highlight of the movie for us. The way he talked and the stuff he said was so hilarious. I wouldn't have enjoyed the movie nearly as much of it weren't for him.
The best word to describe this movie is average. When I saw it was put out by MTV I thought, I hope it doesn't suck, then. It is an interesting plot idea that they could've taken so much further and made into a much better movie. The way they tried to get into the character's lives (humanize them as someone else said) seemed very Breakfast Clubish, but more cliché and less thought out. Maybe this is supposed to be The Breakfast club for the new generation, but it just doesn't measure up.
This movie really got me thinking about SAT's. I am a freshman in high school. The movie did a good job showing the reality of doing whatever necessary to get a decent score.
Many parts of the plot were unrealistic. The way they just managed to FIND the SAT scores as easily as they did. I mean, honestly, in real life they would not be nearly that accessible. There were only a few roadblocks. Also, the romance between Francesca and Matty wasn't that realistic either.
A fine movie to watch if you have nothing else to do. It's way better than a TV movie, not boring, and I think it's worth watching just to see Leonardo Nam's performance!
The S.A.T is hard to take. It's even harder to steal.
Lady_Targaryen2 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Six high school students from different backgrounds are frightened because the upcoming SAT exam. None of them was great in the first exam as they should be, and the perspective of their futures being destroyed, makes them conspire together to steal the answers. In this way, they can get perfect scores and have the success they need.
''The Perfect Score'' is a teen comedy and the only actress I recognize in this movie, is Scarlett Johansson. The movie is ordinary and weak and no one has a great acting in it, Scarlett Johansson included. The characters are boring and the romance in it is cheesy as well. The thing I liked the most was the end of it, because it came with some surprises. If the movie ended how I expected it to end, for sure I would give a lower rate. The good thing about this movie, is to show how S.A.T is terrible and how it scares the students.Many important things, like the students grades in school,are not taken care of.
I don't think this is the worst movie of all, but sure is far from being the best teen movie I already watched.
For my own surprise, the character I liked the most was Roy, the Chinese drug addicted and super genius student.
''The Perfect Score'' is a teen comedy and the only actress I recognize in this movie, is Scarlett Johansson. The movie is ordinary and weak and no one has a great acting in it, Scarlett Johansson included. The characters are boring and the romance in it is cheesy as well. The thing I liked the most was the end of it, because it came with some surprises. If the movie ended how I expected it to end, for sure I would give a lower rate. The good thing about this movie, is to show how S.A.T is terrible and how it scares the students.Many important things, like the students grades in school,are not taken care of.
I don't think this is the worst movie of all, but sure is far from being the best teen movie I already watched.
For my own surprise, the character I liked the most was Roy, the Chinese drug addicted and super genius student.
The Perfect Score is predictable, boring and unfunny
christian12314 November 2004
Warning: Spoilers
The Perfect Score shows what happens when six diverse high school students work together to try to steal the SAT exam in order to help them achieve their goals. From different backgrounds, each of them have their own reasons that force them to cheat on the test.
When I saw the preview, I thought it was going to be a funny movie but when I saw the movie there were no new jokes. The trailer had used all the funny moments and had cheated the audience. My expectations for the film weren't high but I was expecting it to be at least above average. The film really had nothing new to offer. Just some recycled jokes that we have seen before. What keeps the film from completely sinking is the cast. Some aren't very good while others actually give engaging performances.
Scarlett Johansson gives the best performance out of everyone. She held my attention whenever she appeared on screen. Erika Christensen was also pretty good, a little bland though. The rest of the cast were all pretty bland and wooden. Chris Evans just doesn't have what it takes to be a leading man. He was so unconvincing in this film. Bryan Greenberg was completely bland and pale. Darius Miles may be a good basketball player but he can't act at all. The worst performance goes to Leonardo Nam since they hyped him up as being so funny and he completely stunk. Matthew Lillard is underused in a small role. Which is too bad since his character could have been good.
Maybe my expectations were too high since The Perfect Score is directed by Brian Robbins. He brought us classic films like Good Burger and Ready to Rumble. He just doesn't have a very good imagination and his idea of comedy is weak. The ending is at least honorable, well sort of. They do get the answers to the test but decide not to use it. It was kind of stupid because they already knew half of the answers to the test. I know this is supposed to be a stupid teen movie but it should at least have been a funny one. In the end, The Perfect Score is a huge letdown that's worth skipping. Rating 4/10
When I saw the preview, I thought it was going to be a funny movie but when I saw the movie there were no new jokes. The trailer had used all the funny moments and had cheated the audience. My expectations for the film weren't high but I was expecting it to be at least above average. The film really had nothing new to offer. Just some recycled jokes that we have seen before. What keeps the film from completely sinking is the cast. Some aren't very good while others actually give engaging performances.
Scarlett Johansson gives the best performance out of everyone. She held my attention whenever she appeared on screen. Erika Christensen was also pretty good, a little bland though. The rest of the cast were all pretty bland and wooden. Chris Evans just doesn't have what it takes to be a leading man. He was so unconvincing in this film. Bryan Greenberg was completely bland and pale. Darius Miles may be a good basketball player but he can't act at all. The worst performance goes to Leonardo Nam since they hyped him up as being so funny and he completely stunk. Matthew Lillard is underused in a small role. Which is too bad since his character could have been good.
Maybe my expectations were too high since The Perfect Score is directed by Brian Robbins. He brought us classic films like Good Burger and Ready to Rumble. He just doesn't have a very good imagination and his idea of comedy is weak. The ending is at least honorable, well sort of. They do get the answers to the test but decide not to use it. It was kind of stupid because they already knew half of the answers to the test. I know this is supposed to be a stupid teen movie but it should at least have been a funny one. In the end, The Perfect Score is a huge letdown that's worth skipping. Rating 4/10
big future stars in weak caper movie
SnoopyStyle2 December 2013
Six kids decide to steal the SAT. It stars some future Hollywood stars and an NBA player. The story is fairly bland. The dialog isn't sharp. If it wasn't for the stoner Roy (Leonardo Nam), there wouldn't be comedy at all. And I wouldn't call him a great comedian. The various attempts at jokes usually fail.
The story tries to be Breakfast Club with a caper. The style is a lower grade A-movie wannabe. The recreation of The Matrix only helps to remind the audience that this is just a copy of better movies. And there are better caper movies than this. It doesn't feel very well thought out or special. And the pretension of being the next Breakfast Club really suffers by the comparison.
The good part of the movie is the young faces. They have star power even back then especially Scarlett Johansson who plays the enigmatic Francesca Curtis. However I must admit that I am always surprised at how successful Chris Evans has become. The acting here is usually better than the material.
The story tries to be Breakfast Club with a caper. The style is a lower grade A-movie wannabe. The recreation of The Matrix only helps to remind the audience that this is just a copy of better movies. And there are better caper movies than this. It doesn't feel very well thought out or special. And the pretension of being the next Breakfast Club really suffers by the comparison.
The good part of the movie is the young faces. They have star power even back then especially Scarlett Johansson who plays the enigmatic Francesca Curtis. However I must admit that I am always surprised at how successful Chris Evans has become. The acting here is usually better than the material.
For the foolish only
george_mase22 December 2004
Warning: Spoilers
This film was mildly entertaining, but incredibly dumb. The premise itself pure sucked. A group of teenagers, all from different backgrounds, all too dumb to get a decent SAT scores but nonetheless want to get into colleges they are not qualified to get into. It seems they spend a considerable amount of time plotting a scheme to steal the SAT scores from ETS, but no time actually trying to study and take the test honestly. The dumbest part of the movie was probably when the basketball player who can't get a 900 on the test, and has a terrible GPA reveals he's a math whiz and can "ace" the math portion of the exam. I can see these MTV morons sitting there saying let's not stereotype the black basketball star, so they throw in a quasi-curveball into an otherwise completely brain dead stereotypical group of characters.
A PG-13 Teen Movie...that works
nikecjc30 January 2004
Those expecting cinematic events like the Godfather or Saving Private Ryan.
Stop reading this.
Those expecting crude teen humor films featuring underage drinking and nudity, such as Road Trip and Varsity Blues.
Stop reading this.
But those of you looking for a teen movie full of the typical adolescent hinjinx and cheap laughs.
Start reading this.
The Perfect Score won't light up the box office or have everyone waiting day after day for its release onto DVD.
Instead, it's a movie targeted towards middle schoolers, high schoolers, and most college students.
Typically good kids under rough circumstances, most of us who have taken the SATs remember the pain in the arse they were. Throw in two very attractive, and talented acting-capable, girls...two guys and a jock...and an Asian pothead quick with one liners...
and you got a pretty solid movie.
While the Perfect Score won't give you everything you want, I feel that it will make you just happy enough that you caught the showing.
So if you're looking for a movie to sit back and relax too...and perhaps vicariously wonder if you could steal the answers to the SAT...check out the movie.
I enjoyed it, and chances are if you kept on reading this post.
You will too.
Stop reading this.
Those expecting crude teen humor films featuring underage drinking and nudity, such as Road Trip and Varsity Blues.
Stop reading this.
But those of you looking for a teen movie full of the typical adolescent hinjinx and cheap laughs.
Start reading this.
The Perfect Score won't light up the box office or have everyone waiting day after day for its release onto DVD.
Instead, it's a movie targeted towards middle schoolers, high schoolers, and most college students.
Typically good kids under rough circumstances, most of us who have taken the SATs remember the pain in the arse they were. Throw in two very attractive, and talented acting-capable, girls...two guys and a jock...and an Asian pothead quick with one liners...
and you got a pretty solid movie.
While the Perfect Score won't give you everything you want, I feel that it will make you just happy enough that you caught the showing.
So if you're looking for a movie to sit back and relax too...and perhaps vicariously wonder if you could steal the answers to the SAT...check out the movie.
I enjoyed it, and chances are if you kept on reading this post.
You will too.
Bonding Over The SATS
bkoganbing18 February 2008
Six anxiety ridden teens, Chris Evans, Erika Christenson, Leonardo Nam, Darius Miles, Scarlett Johanssen and Bryan Greenburg are having panic attacks over the impending Scholastic Aptitude Tests aka the infamous SAT which will determine whether you go to an Ivy League School or MacDonald clown college. Don't tell them anything different.
What to do but hatch a plan to steal the answers and get The Perfect Score which will put you on the path to fame, glory, and riches, whatever priority you have.
The Perfect Score is a new millennial version of The Breakfast Club and it even has the same number of troubled youth who spent that afternoon in detention discovering themselves. It's not as serious ultimately as The Breakfast Club was, but at least this one included a black and Asian teen in the mix.
Although Chris Evans and Scarlett Johanssen have gone on to have the most substantive careers at this point, the best in the film hands down is Leonardo Nam. He's the perpetually stoned one who is the most underachieving in the class, but he turns out to be the one who makes lemonade with lemons life hands him. Nam is also interesting in that he's the one who seems to be rebelling against an Asian stereotype in that those young people are the smart overachievers. In any event he steals every scene he's in.
The Perfect Score is a nice teen comedy about six unlikely people who bond together in an objective and develop relationships and aspects of their character they never thought to have possessed.
What to do but hatch a plan to steal the answers and get The Perfect Score which will put you on the path to fame, glory, and riches, whatever priority you have.
The Perfect Score is a new millennial version of The Breakfast Club and it even has the same number of troubled youth who spent that afternoon in detention discovering themselves. It's not as serious ultimately as The Breakfast Club was, but at least this one included a black and Asian teen in the mix.
Although Chris Evans and Scarlett Johanssen have gone on to have the most substantive careers at this point, the best in the film hands down is Leonardo Nam. He's the perpetually stoned one who is the most underachieving in the class, but he turns out to be the one who makes lemonade with lemons life hands him. Nam is also interesting in that he's the one who seems to be rebelling against an Asian stereotype in that those young people are the smart overachievers. In any event he steals every scene he's in.
The Perfect Score is a nice teen comedy about six unlikely people who bond together in an objective and develop relationships and aspects of their character they never thought to have possessed.
An Incredibly stupid film, that is completely pointless and horribly scripted
ScottDMenzel5 February 2004
I do not know why I went to see The Perfect Score earlier today. I have this huge ego thing that I should give almost every film a chance no matter how bad it looks. I can also admit that I am a huge fan of Scarlett Johansson because of her work in both Ghost World and Lost in Translation. This film to me looked rather Idiotic even at first but I figured it couldn't be as bad as it looks. Well, sadly I was wrong but please continue reading my review as I rip apart the disaster that is the Perfect Score.
The Perfect Score is about two best friends Kyle (Chris Evans) and Matt (Bryan Greenberg) who want to steal the answers to the SAT in order to achieve their own personal goals. Well, they decide they can't do it alone so they need the help of Francesca (Scarlett Johansson) to help. They need her because guess what her Daddy owns the building where the make the SAT test. Oh how convenient. Well, then Kyle falls for Anna (Erika Christensen) who is the 2nd smartest girl in school but for some reason is afraid she will fail the SAT. Well, sooner or later Anna tells Desmond (Darious Miles) who asks Anna for help on the SAT because he needs to get into college to play Basketball. Well, before all is said and done Roy (Leonardo Nam) overhears a conversation that Kyle and Matt are having in the bathroom about robbing the SAT answers so he too wants in. Together these 6 morons will work together to plan the ultimate heist to steal the answers to the SATs and achieve the perfect score.
Well, lets tackle the films acting first. Well, it's very amateurish. Scarlett Johansson who is a brilliant actress and she proves so in such great movies like Ghost World and Lost in Translation is truly horrible in the film. She plays a smart slutty girl who does nothing but hate daddy and wear push up bras. I normally don't make sexual jokes but I think if anyone in this film should get an applause it should be Scarlett Johansson's boobs. They gave a terrific performance. Scarlett I beg of you no more bad films, you're a terrific actress read the scripts and say no to the bad ones. I know you can do it. I also usually enjoy the work of Erika Christensen who starred in the films Homeroom, Traffic and Swim fan. Once again she is useless here but at least her character isn't as annoying as rest. Leonardo Nam was the worst character in the whole film. The always high Chinese guy. Oh my god I wanted to run for the exit when he popped on screen. Awful who writes these freaking characters? Chris Evans, who starred in one of the worst films I have ever dared to witness, Not Another Teen Movie was actually tolerable in this film although a few more acting classes may be necessary. And lastly Bryan Greenberg and Darious Miles seemed like they were trying to make the lousy script work but failed at it horribly.
The director of this masterpiece is named Brian Robbins who brought us other Academy Award winning films including the wonderful Ready to Rumble with David Arquette, and Varsity Blues with James Van Der Beek. Needless to say he hasn't made too good of choices in the directing category. He actually produced Radio which was a huge surprise to me since I think that's one of the only films I have seen that he has been apart of that hasn't sucked! I know I am sounding mean but there are far to many crappy films being made each year so I feel I have to really criticize the ones that are truly awful. I am actually going to give Brian Robbins one last chance in 2005 when he directs the remake of the Shaggy Dog with Tim Allen. I am a big Tim Allen fan so if he can screw that movie up well then I will never watch another film he directs.
The funny thing about this film is the fact that it actually took three writers to write this piece of garbage, yes three. Mark Schwahn who wrote the horrible 2000 teen flick Whatever it takes, Marc Hyman who wrote the flop Osmosis Jones, and finally Jon Zack who wrote 2001s Out Cold which has the honors of being on my worst movies ever made list. I guess I should expect this script to be every bit as bad as it was just looking at who wrote it. I mean the dialog was so crappy. It looked like a five year old wrote it. And who was responsible for putting in the Matrix joke. Haven't we learned Matrix jokes aren't funny and never will be? The script is truly insulting. The whole movie was pointless. I ask if these 6 morons can take the test on a computer and get a perfect 1600 in order to get the answers. That's right they actually have to make a perfect score in order to even get the answers. I mean what the hell? Why steal the test if you can take the test and get all the answers right. How stupid! And also who was responsible for the great job on the blatant product placement? The greatest line ever used in a film is when Scarlett's character says to Erika's character "You look comfortable in your Old Navy cotton pullover" It was like what the hell? Where did that come from? Needless to say the script was horrible and the film was completely humorless.
So was their anything remotely good about the film? Sadly there really wasn't except Scarlett's boobs. Its a shame to see both Scarlett & Erika wasting their talent. Believe me its there, just watch some of their other films and you will see it. This movie has been the worst film I seen so far this year and damn it its only February but luckily so far it has been the only bad film I have seen. I wanted to like this film, no matter how dumb it looked. I wanted to actually have a good laugh or two and watch these kids steal the SAT. I just didn't know I was going to be in pain for the entire 1hr and 40mins the film lasted. I can't recommend anyone to watch this film. I give this film a very low 2/10. I am sure it will be one of the year's worst films.
The Perfect Score is about two best friends Kyle (Chris Evans) and Matt (Bryan Greenberg) who want to steal the answers to the SAT in order to achieve their own personal goals. Well, they decide they can't do it alone so they need the help of Francesca (Scarlett Johansson) to help. They need her because guess what her Daddy owns the building where the make the SAT test. Oh how convenient. Well, then Kyle falls for Anna (Erika Christensen) who is the 2nd smartest girl in school but for some reason is afraid she will fail the SAT. Well, sooner or later Anna tells Desmond (Darious Miles) who asks Anna for help on the SAT because he needs to get into college to play Basketball. Well, before all is said and done Roy (Leonardo Nam) overhears a conversation that Kyle and Matt are having in the bathroom about robbing the SAT answers so he too wants in. Together these 6 morons will work together to plan the ultimate heist to steal the answers to the SATs and achieve the perfect score.
Well, lets tackle the films acting first. Well, it's very amateurish. Scarlett Johansson who is a brilliant actress and she proves so in such great movies like Ghost World and Lost in Translation is truly horrible in the film. She plays a smart slutty girl who does nothing but hate daddy and wear push up bras. I normally don't make sexual jokes but I think if anyone in this film should get an applause it should be Scarlett Johansson's boobs. They gave a terrific performance. Scarlett I beg of you no more bad films, you're a terrific actress read the scripts and say no to the bad ones. I know you can do it. I also usually enjoy the work of Erika Christensen who starred in the films Homeroom, Traffic and Swim fan. Once again she is useless here but at least her character isn't as annoying as rest. Leonardo Nam was the worst character in the whole film. The always high Chinese guy. Oh my god I wanted to run for the exit when he popped on screen. Awful who writes these freaking characters? Chris Evans, who starred in one of the worst films I have ever dared to witness, Not Another Teen Movie was actually tolerable in this film although a few more acting classes may be necessary. And lastly Bryan Greenberg and Darious Miles seemed like they were trying to make the lousy script work but failed at it horribly.
The director of this masterpiece is named Brian Robbins who brought us other Academy Award winning films including the wonderful Ready to Rumble with David Arquette, and Varsity Blues with James Van Der Beek. Needless to say he hasn't made too good of choices in the directing category. He actually produced Radio which was a huge surprise to me since I think that's one of the only films I have seen that he has been apart of that hasn't sucked! I know I am sounding mean but there are far to many crappy films being made each year so I feel I have to really criticize the ones that are truly awful. I am actually going to give Brian Robbins one last chance in 2005 when he directs the remake of the Shaggy Dog with Tim Allen. I am a big Tim Allen fan so if he can screw that movie up well then I will never watch another film he directs.
The funny thing about this film is the fact that it actually took three writers to write this piece of garbage, yes three. Mark Schwahn who wrote the horrible 2000 teen flick Whatever it takes, Marc Hyman who wrote the flop Osmosis Jones, and finally Jon Zack who wrote 2001s Out Cold which has the honors of being on my worst movies ever made list. I guess I should expect this script to be every bit as bad as it was just looking at who wrote it. I mean the dialog was so crappy. It looked like a five year old wrote it. And who was responsible for putting in the Matrix joke. Haven't we learned Matrix jokes aren't funny and never will be? The script is truly insulting. The whole movie was pointless. I ask if these 6 morons can take the test on a computer and get a perfect 1600 in order to get the answers. That's right they actually have to make a perfect score in order to even get the answers. I mean what the hell? Why steal the test if you can take the test and get all the answers right. How stupid! And also who was responsible for the great job on the blatant product placement? The greatest line ever used in a film is when Scarlett's character says to Erika's character "You look comfortable in your Old Navy cotton pullover" It was like what the hell? Where did that come from? Needless to say the script was horrible and the film was completely humorless.
So was their anything remotely good about the film? Sadly there really wasn't except Scarlett's boobs. Its a shame to see both Scarlett & Erika wasting their talent. Believe me its there, just watch some of their other films and you will see it. This movie has been the worst film I seen so far this year and damn it its only February but luckily so far it has been the only bad film I have seen. I wanted to like this film, no matter how dumb it looked. I wanted to actually have a good laugh or two and watch these kids steal the SAT. I just didn't know I was going to be in pain for the entire 1hr and 40mins the film lasted. I can't recommend anyone to watch this film. I give this film a very low 2/10. I am sure it will be one of the year's worst films.
Scarlett Johansson is THE reason to see this movie...!
junkySTL28 January 2004
Well, not the ENTIRE reason to see this film... but she was certainly the highlight for me. Why? Frankly because I didn't even know who she was until I saw this film (sad, considering her other work is extremely interesting).
At any rate, the plot is simple; high school students pressured by life decisions plan to steal the S.A.T. (which has various definitions assigned to it throughout the movie). It becomes an elaborate scheme and many people get caught up in it.
Including shinning Erika Christensen (from SWIMFAN and TRAFFIC).
There's the obvious collection of somewhat stereotypical kids (a stoner, a brain, two slackers- one more academically charged than the audience would like to believe).
At any rate, this movie plays well.
I actually loved it!
I supposed it was a bit more personal for me since my PSAT and S.A.T. were HELL!!!!!! And I sunk my teeth depe into a movie that blasted these types of standardized tests and the implications they hold (sexism, racism, placism, all of which are true of standardized tests and the current education system in general, sad to me... and me on the brink of being an English professor).
At any rate, the bottom line is this: You HAVE to admire a movie where one of the "heroes" of the film is a stoner who's so ultra-smart among his peers that he excells past all of them while convincing everyone around him that he's borderline stupid. Only Mtv could produce such a character, or such a film.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
And watch Johansson... She's gonna be a star if her smoldering performance here is any indication! She plays the best goth/metal/rebellious/finger-to-the-system/badgirl I've seen in film today...
At any rate, the plot is simple; high school students pressured by life decisions plan to steal the S.A.T. (which has various definitions assigned to it throughout the movie). It becomes an elaborate scheme and many people get caught up in it.
Including shinning Erika Christensen (from SWIMFAN and TRAFFIC).
There's the obvious collection of somewhat stereotypical kids (a stoner, a brain, two slackers- one more academically charged than the audience would like to believe).
At any rate, this movie plays well.
I actually loved it!
I supposed it was a bit more personal for me since my PSAT and S.A.T. were HELL!!!!!! And I sunk my teeth depe into a movie that blasted these types of standardized tests and the implications they hold (sexism, racism, placism, all of which are true of standardized tests and the current education system in general, sad to me... and me on the brink of being an English professor).
At any rate, the bottom line is this: You HAVE to admire a movie where one of the "heroes" of the film is a stoner who's so ultra-smart among his peers that he excells past all of them while convincing everyone around him that he's borderline stupid. Only Mtv could produce such a character, or such a film.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
And watch Johansson... She's gonna be a star if her smoldering performance here is any indication! She plays the best goth/metal/rebellious/finger-to-the-system/badgirl I've seen in film today...
Better than Expected
Writers_BlockUK23 January 2005
I rented this film after seeing Chris Evans in CELLULAR and Scarlett Johannson in LOST IN TRANSLATION. I heard that the movie was held back from release a while until Scarlett hit the big time with a few awards she received. i watched the movie with a slight cynical POV, but i was actually quite surprised that an MTV movie would actually become enjoyable. OK, so the premise is corny and stupid, even more so seeing as i live in the UK and SAT'S are nothing to me, and i never really understood how High school students, who can't get a high SAT score can pull of a mission impossible style heist. But hey, this the MTV generation and if people like Ben Affleck can save the world then i can believe Dumbass kids pulling of a heist. The acting is above par, but the characters aren't exactly detailed enough. Matthew Lillard shines as usual in the small part of Kyle ( Chris Evans ) older dumb brother. Scarlett goes through this film almost with the knowledge that she is destined for better things and just goes along with. With a lot of flaws, i still sat and watched this no-brainer film and weren't disappointed. if you like films that are no brainers or easy on the mind then watch it and it doesn't matter. Could have been A lot worse. thankfully it wasn't
Cookie Cutter Plot but Decent Film
markv0028 November 2012
While no real attempts to break the typical teen movie vibe, the film did provide decent comic relief. It fits well for the MTV target demo and personally never tire of seeing Scarlett Johansson. The plot idea is good, but needed quite a bit more work from a better team to make this movie better. But for a quick score and considering the source (MTV), it could have been much worse. I did enjoy the movie, but won't be putting it the ready to watch cue. More character depth would have given a bit more credibility to overall feel. Don't go in looking for a Breakfast Club level movie. It's fun, easy on the brain and as Roy would say, "It's something to do".
Turn Back Now!!!!!!!!!
madonova4 May 2004
Simply put, this is one of the worst movies ever made. Everyone involved in the making of this film should be punished in the worst possible way (especially the girl from Swimfan, why did they let her make another movie?). Anyways, 6 highly stereotyped high school students attempt to steal the SAT. The stoner, the moron basketball player (who by a shocking turn of events is able to do math! What character development!), hot punk(tm) Scarlett Johannsen, dorky swimfan girl, semi long-haired Abercrombie model, and his tool friend. If you didn't already know MTV sucks, this is another reason why. Sure, the girl with the "princess" belly shirt sitting in front of me enjoyed this film, but I was ready to puke up the past 3 lunches I had eaten. DON'T SEE THIS MOVIE
Surprisingly better than your average teen movie -- Perhaps the best MTV Production since BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD DO AMERICA(1996)
Ddey6531 January 2005
As adults, we like to tell kids(mainly teenagers) that the decisions they make now will have an impact on the rest of their lives, when in reality we've already made their decisions behind their backs. One of the most significant ways that we do it is with the Standard Aptitude Test, which in some instances seem biased, and in others, the kids are simply too stupid to pass. And in this movie, which is produced by Brian Robbins(formerly Eric Madiran from HEAD OF THE CLASS), six kids from both circumstances decide that rather than cave in to the winds of fate, they're going to fight the man and steal the answers. This movie tries to compare itself to THE BREAKFAST CLUB, but anybody who's ever seen that movie knows it's nowhere near as heavy-handed. Keep in mind, however that this doesn't mean The Perfect Score is an inferior teen movie, even if it isn't the Oscar-grabber the John Hughes classic should've been.
The hero of this movie is Kyle(Chris Evans), a smart kid who's determined to seek a career in architecture. Most heroes in teen movies have no idea what they want to do after high school, and in real life such indecision is a cultural expectation, so this is a change for the better. Unfortunately, the SAT's have decided he's not going to achieve his career goal. His friend is Matty Matthews(Bryan Greenberg), a less-depressed version of Cameron Frye from FERRIS BEULLER'S DAY OFF, who's father has planned to make him inherit the family septic business. Not that it isn't a useful job, but Matty has no desire to be part of it, even if his SATs have decided otherwise. After losing his college girlfriend as well, he coaxes Kyle into helping him steal the answers to the SATs, and both know they're going to need help from other students. Among those who join their plot are golden girl Anna Ross(Erika Christensen), future NBA star Desmond Rhodes(Darius McCray), Roy(Leonardo Nam), a seemingly lame burnout who just happened to be on the scene while the plot is being discussed, and Francesca Curtis(Scarlett Johannson), a rich girl with a school-bashing website who's father owns the building they need to break into. What can I say about Scarlet Johannson that hasn't been said by any other IMDb commentator? Well, personally I don't go for women who have her look, but she pulls it off nicely. Oh, and Francesca's dad dates women who are practically her age. Along the way the cast, and the audience finds out more about each other. Like that Roy is not as idiotic as he acts(although that doesn't vindicate his drug use), Kyle's idiot older brother shares his parents' pride in him, and Matty doesn't need his ex-girlfriend as an excuse to go to college. Other things we learn early on, like that Anna's tired of being the idolized, brainy goody-two-shoes everybody thinks she is, Francesca's hatred of school has nothing to do with her grades, and you do not want to get on Desmond's mother's bad side, something Desmond already knows, and Roy finds out for himself.
So why is a man on the edge of forty recommending a teen movie trying to be something it's not? Well, it was made by another man who's on the edge of forty, the cast is terrific, the characters and storyline are interesting, and in the effort to pretend it's something it isn't, it's willing to spoof a "John Hughes moment" the way NOT ANOTHER TEEN MOVIE couldn't. So ignore the fact that the critics panned this movie, and rent a copy of it sometime.
The hero of this movie is Kyle(Chris Evans), a smart kid who's determined to seek a career in architecture. Most heroes in teen movies have no idea what they want to do after high school, and in real life such indecision is a cultural expectation, so this is a change for the better. Unfortunately, the SAT's have decided he's not going to achieve his career goal. His friend is Matty Matthews(Bryan Greenberg), a less-depressed version of Cameron Frye from FERRIS BEULLER'S DAY OFF, who's father has planned to make him inherit the family septic business. Not that it isn't a useful job, but Matty has no desire to be part of it, even if his SATs have decided otherwise. After losing his college girlfriend as well, he coaxes Kyle into helping him steal the answers to the SATs, and both know they're going to need help from other students. Among those who join their plot are golden girl Anna Ross(Erika Christensen), future NBA star Desmond Rhodes(Darius McCray), Roy(Leonardo Nam), a seemingly lame burnout who just happened to be on the scene while the plot is being discussed, and Francesca Curtis(Scarlett Johannson), a rich girl with a school-bashing website who's father owns the building they need to break into. What can I say about Scarlet Johannson that hasn't been said by any other IMDb commentator? Well, personally I don't go for women who have her look, but she pulls it off nicely. Oh, and Francesca's dad dates women who are practically her age. Along the way the cast, and the audience finds out more about each other. Like that Roy is not as idiotic as he acts(although that doesn't vindicate his drug use), Kyle's idiot older brother shares his parents' pride in him, and Matty doesn't need his ex-girlfriend as an excuse to go to college. Other things we learn early on, like that Anna's tired of being the idolized, brainy goody-two-shoes everybody thinks she is, Francesca's hatred of school has nothing to do with her grades, and you do not want to get on Desmond's mother's bad side, something Desmond already knows, and Roy finds out for himself.
So why is a man on the edge of forty recommending a teen movie trying to be something it's not? Well, it was made by another man who's on the edge of forty, the cast is terrific, the characters and storyline are interesting, and in the effort to pretend it's something it isn't, it's willing to spoof a "John Hughes moment" the way NOT ANOTHER TEEN MOVIE couldn't. So ignore the fact that the critics panned this movie, and rent a copy of it sometime.
Average Teen Film. Scarlett still Great.
iwatcheverything31 January 2004
I think that this film was missing many things in making it good. It was your average teen film with nothing special. Plot was kind of like that of the movie Cheaters. The movie was borderline R rated. The only pluses were the stoned guy the whole film and Scarlett who is quickly becoming one of my favorite actresses. If you must see this film go into it with no thought and you may actually like it. Or you could just go see it for the only two good things mentioned above.
Not quite the Perfect Score
boyinflares10 August 2006
"The Perfect Score" tells the story of six very different high school teens who, frustrated with the SAT's, decide to break into where the answers are kept, and steal them. Naturally, as the film progresses, in typical Teen-Movie tradition, the kids all realise things about themselves and the others that they never knew.
The six teens are perhaps the most boring group of characters ever assembled for a Teen Movie. Hottie Chris Evans is great as usual, and his character, Kyle, is about the only one that you can sympathise with. Scarlet Johansson cannot save her character, Francesca, from being unlikeable. Erika Christensen is good, but her character Anna is about as boring as stale bread. Bryan Greenberg is a great actor, and his character Matty is likable and sometimes funny, but mostly stupid. Darius Miles should have a few more acting lessons as he was as bland as oatmeal, and Leonardo Nam should not be allowed to act, or narrate, ever again. Their characters of Desmond and Roy were also hardly interesting at all. Matthew Lillard has a small role as Larry, the brother of Kyle, but one wishes that he didn't have, as he was simply awful. On the plus side though, Tyra Ferrell was fantastic as Desmond's mother - only she didn't get enough screen time.
"The Perfect Score" wasn't all that bad though. There were some nice moments from Evans and Christensen, as well as being very moralistic, it just might have been better with more interesting and likable characters. So while it may not get the perfect score, it's not the worst way to spend 80-odd minutes.
The six teens are perhaps the most boring group of characters ever assembled for a Teen Movie. Hottie Chris Evans is great as usual, and his character, Kyle, is about the only one that you can sympathise with. Scarlet Johansson cannot save her character, Francesca, from being unlikeable. Erika Christensen is good, but her character Anna is about as boring as stale bread. Bryan Greenberg is a great actor, and his character Matty is likable and sometimes funny, but mostly stupid. Darius Miles should have a few more acting lessons as he was as bland as oatmeal, and Leonardo Nam should not be allowed to act, or narrate, ever again. Their characters of Desmond and Roy were also hardly interesting at all. Matthew Lillard has a small role as Larry, the brother of Kyle, but one wishes that he didn't have, as he was simply awful. On the plus side though, Tyra Ferrell was fantastic as Desmond's mother - only she didn't get enough screen time.
"The Perfect Score" wasn't all that bad though. There were some nice moments from Evans and Christensen, as well as being very moralistic, it just might have been better with more interesting and likable characters. So while it may not get the perfect score, it's not the worst way to spend 80-odd minutes.
Had its moments. Both of them.
=G=24 July 2004
"The Perfect Score" aspires to be like a John Hughes film (Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, etc.) but falls short...way short. Telling of six High School seniors who, faced with having to take the SAT's, decide to steal the answers to the test's questions only to have epiphanies go off like flash bulbs as they just sort of realize that crime doesn't pay and careers don't either when one has cheat their way to the top. The result is an awkward and stiff dramedy fusion of cliches and stereotypes sorely lacking in the creativity, imagination, and inspiration which teen flick maestro Hughes brought to his hit films. Passable and forgettable stuff only a teen could love. Adults might want to check out the much more provocative TV flick "Cheaters 2000" instead. (C)
So far, absolutely delightful!
Scott74117 February 2011
Of COURSE this is not Gone With the Wind or The Godfather or Apocalypse Now, it's a teen flick and I find it absolutely hilarious, and vastly underrated by some very snobbish commentary I've read.
First, please understand that this reviewer is several things: A BIG movie buff capable of separating movies into genres and mental compartments rather than comparing apples to oranges in boneheaded fashion, I am not finished watching the DVD yet (it's on pause, but...I do that: watch and simultaneously check out IMDb, part of the fun), I'm utterly enamored of the freshness of this film. So far. But I've already had more laughs than I've had a long time (watching a slew of flicks where great actors were hired to do dreck with no apparent motivation).
I'm also a high school dropout, a college dropout (which means I've taken various tests of achievement and intelligence, the GED, the SATs and various other limiting, mind control efforts); fortunately I am now several decades old, and well beyond the reach of the academia nuts who currently crank our future fellow citizens out like Twinkies; i.e., old enough to have seen their results.
Hence, I get the premise, and I love these characters. I find this film vastly more entertaining than any Ocean's XX movie made after the Rat Pack got it right the first time. This is more fun than Hackers (and since I also spent years at IBM, yes, I loved that one, too; but I'm giving this a ten for the acting, the story, and the fresh handling of the genre).
If it disappoints in the end, I may come back and rate it again, but for now I'm laughing my ass off. Great commentary on our educational "bubble" system, great fun with each of the characters. (Especially Roy, I eagerly await his next scene. Though all these kids are good, and the dialog is exceptional.)
*******************************************
Okay, this previous post hasn't been posted yet, so now I can conclude: great stuff. I repeat, for the genre. Some of the best out there. And we'll see some of these kids later. But really, a great movie. Not necessarily a keeper, a watch again, for sure. Still a 10 for it's intended scope, and I'm still a critical bastard. Loved it.
First, please understand that this reviewer is several things: A BIG movie buff capable of separating movies into genres and mental compartments rather than comparing apples to oranges in boneheaded fashion, I am not finished watching the DVD yet (it's on pause, but...I do that: watch and simultaneously check out IMDb, part of the fun), I'm utterly enamored of the freshness of this film. So far. But I've already had more laughs than I've had a long time (watching a slew of flicks where great actors were hired to do dreck with no apparent motivation).
I'm also a high school dropout, a college dropout (which means I've taken various tests of achievement and intelligence, the GED, the SATs and various other limiting, mind control efforts); fortunately I am now several decades old, and well beyond the reach of the academia nuts who currently crank our future fellow citizens out like Twinkies; i.e., old enough to have seen their results.
Hence, I get the premise, and I love these characters. I find this film vastly more entertaining than any Ocean's XX movie made after the Rat Pack got it right the first time. This is more fun than Hackers (and since I also spent years at IBM, yes, I loved that one, too; but I'm giving this a ten for the acting, the story, and the fresh handling of the genre).
If it disappoints in the end, I may come back and rate it again, but for now I'm laughing my ass off. Great commentary on our educational "bubble" system, great fun with each of the characters. (Especially Roy, I eagerly await his next scene. Though all these kids are good, and the dialog is exceptional.)
*******************************************
Okay, this previous post hasn't been posted yet, so now I can conclude: great stuff. I repeat, for the genre. Some of the best out there. And we'll see some of these kids later. But really, a great movie. Not necessarily a keeper, a watch again, for sure. Still a 10 for it's intended scope, and I'm still a critical bastard. Loved it.
It was fine.
fabierocalte-6955319 March 2021
Horrible Movie!
shasha9690-131 March 2005
I rented this movie last night, hoping for some laughs. The cover says "The Breakfast Club meets Oceans Eleven." Those are two of my favorite movies and I am utterly appalled that someone tried to compare either of those to The Perfect Score. Sure, they tried to make it like those films, I actually think they used some of the same music as Ocean's Eleven, but they failed miserably. The film consists of six very different teens, who all need the answers to the SAT's for different reasons. While the film has a few great actors, the cheesy and unintelligent script makes even Scarlett Johansson (spelling?) look bad. The film is narrated by a so-called stoner, who sounds more mentally challenged than stoned. The only time I actually laughed in the entire film was when they played "Because I Got High..." The characters make very stupid decisions and the movie is a constant drag. The all too happy ending does not surprise, just disappoints and makes you wonder why on earth you just watched this movie. For those who are saying this movie is a great "teen flick" I heartily disagree. I am a teen and the only thing this movie did for me was make me feel embarrassed to be associated with people like this. This long, cheesy, dull movie is not worth even a rental...unless you are looking for something to put you to sleep at night.
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