I Love You, Beth Cooper (2009) User Reviews

Not gold, but not trash as some are making it out to be

[Smells_Like_Cheese · 6/10 · 12 July 2009]

Now the way I'm reading all these comments on IMDb, people are acting like this was absolutely the worst movie of all time. Honestly, I love you Beth Cooper is not going to be one of those high school movie classics by no mean, but I didn't feel like my time was wasted watching it. As predictable and silly as it was, I still think this was a decent enough movie that got a few good laughs. I mean, who hasn't wanted to go all out on their high school class and just mock them on the last day of school? Not to mention get the hottie of their dreams in the same night that has them just living life to it's fullest. I think that over all the film worked, there were certain things that were flawed in the movie like the script could have used a few touch up's here and there and the cast did seem a little off. Paul Rust, it's kind of disturbing that he not only looks but is 28 years old and then you have Hayden Panettiere who looks 12 years old, it was a little… well, you get the idea. But still I think I love you Beth Cooper had it's moments enough to make you just sit back and forget reality for 95 minutes.

When a geeky high-school valedictorian throws caution to the wind by expressing his love for a popular cheerleader during his graduation speech, life finally starts to get interfering for Denis Cooverman who may have brains to spare; it's guts that he lacks, or at least, he did until today. Stepping up to the podium to deliver an inspirational speech to his graduating class, Denis decides that the time has finally come to call out his classmates on their peccadilloes and declare his love for the prettiest girl in school, Beth Cooper. Much to Denis' surprise, Beth responds by accepting an invitation to a party at his house later that day. But Beth's meat head boyfriend Kevin is none-too-pleased that his high school prize is mingling with the biggest dweeb in school, and when Kevin shows up at his house and tears the place apart in a fit of rage Denis, his best friend Rich, Beth, and her friends Cammy and Treece all pile into Beth's car and flee for their lives. For four long years Denis sat silently behind Beth in class, pining for a way to make his love known. Now, over the course of one long night, Denis will finally get to know the girl of his dreams better than he ever thought possible. If he manages to survive until morning, it's sure to be the story of a lifetime.

There were times that I absolutely laughed out loud like when Beth's psycho boyfriend kept going after Denis and just beating the heck out of him each time. Also seeing how Denis was reacting to all of Beth's "flaws" as a law breaking crazy party girl that he never imagined, only the sick fantasy as he has her picture blown up and taped over his bed. I think just the cast, the script and the characters needed work in order for this to be a great movie and that's why everyone is freaking out and saying how this is the most horrendous movie ever, either that or they're taking it too seriously. I think if you just let go and have a good time, you'll get a few laughs out of this movie, it's all in good fun and sometimes we need those silly high school flicks to either fantasize or bring us back to the good old days where getting a pimple at prom seems to be your scariest problem in the world. I love you Beth Cooper is worth the watch but more so wait for the rental vs. theater, it's just an average teen comedy.

6/10

An alright comedy.

[Jerique · 6/10 · 24 November 2009]

In your typical teen comedy there comes the standard, "we must lose our virginity" and "gross-out" scenes and lots of pop culture references. In I Love You Beth Cooper, there is none of that. It's a real love story laced with some funny things to say.

Denis (Paul Rust) gives a final speech as he graduates and proclaims his love for Beth Cooper (Hayden Panettiere) while doing so. He also has some fun by telling the entire class about some of the other flawed students. To his surprise, Beth and her two friends, are the only people, aside from his friend Rich, who come to his party.

I liked this movie for a lot of reasons, but most of all because it wasn't like American Pie, Superbad, or Road Trip. It had some heart to it and it wasn't just a bunch of teen comedies with a bunch of nudity and sex. I loved the fact that Hayden Panettiere was the main role and how she was the fantasy girl that every guy dreams of being with, but still a down-to-Earth girl.

There's tons of jokes, that aren't idiotic. There's a lot of fun and changing of scenes in this movie and a lot of romantic moments as well. I think the movie would be amazing if it had some sort of moral or real ending. I'll let you figure out what I mean by that. But I don't think the ending is satisfying.

It's an entertaining film, and if you're in the dawn of graduating or have just you'll probably love it. If you're a couple years shy of graduating you may not relate as much. I think I liked it even more because I graduated recently.

Surprisingly Bad & Unfunny

[prodbabies · 4/10 · 11 July 2009]

After seeing a trailer that seemed to have promise I was rather surprised at how much this film lacked any laughs. This fault lies with the directing and editing. The actors seemed to give performances up to that of any other teen comedy, but the timing of the whole movie was off.....and in comedy, timing is everything! The fact that the story has little character set-up and uses every cliché stolen from numerous comedies before it does not help the ill paced scenes.

I managed to leave the theater without requesting my money back, but you know when people in the audience are having full conversations during a film, it is hardly holding anyone's attention.

Pass at the B.O. and only rent it on DVD if you have an unlimited plan and are running out of things to see.

not the worst but lead is problematic

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 21 November 2014]

Valendictorian Dennis Cooverman (Paul Rust) gives the craziest of all graduation speech. First he proclaims "I love you, Beth Cooper". Beth (Hayden Panettiere) is the hot popular cheerleader. That's before his speech makes enemies. He even declares that his best friend Rich Munsch (Jack Carpenter) is gay. He invites her to his graduation party. It's only him and Rich but then surprisingly, Beth shows up with her girlfriends Cammy (Lauren London) and Treece (Lauren Storm).

This movie really struggles with Paul Rust as the lead. He's a geeky looking guy but not nearly adorable enough. He's quirky but not that funny. The character really demands to be played by a faux-geek rather a real nerd like Rust. Hayden Panettiere's character is not somebody on a pedestal. She's a little bit complicated and that's a good thing. The problem is that she's not the lead. Rust is the lead and he can't carry the movie.

I didn't love you, but I liked you, "I love you, Beth Cooper"

[moviesaccordingtodes · 7/10 · 1 October 2014]

"I Love You, Beth Cooper" opened with an extremely awkward scene, Denis (Paul Rust) confessing his love for Beth Cooper (Hayden Panettiere) during his valedictorian speech at his High School graduation. It was so awkward. I was so uncomfortable and embarrassed for him; it made me cringe. I didn't want to look but I just couldn't look away. The awkwardness was lightened with a few very funny remarks made during the speech. Luckily this was the only awkward humor. I don't think I would be able to handle a whole lot of that.

My favorite character was Rich Munsch played by newcomer Jack Carpenter. He was very funny with his random, homosexual comments then insisting he is not gay. Naturally I loved his movie references throughout the film.

"I Love You, Beth Cooper" was very stupid but so very amusing. There were countless moments when I laughed out loud. There were hilarious moments such as a towel battle scene, a fight scene with Carpenter jumping out a window as means of escape, and a scene involving a terrifying raccoon.

Though it was stupid and funny there were a lot of serious moments. The two main characters played by Rust and Panettiere did a lot of talking with their eyes. They understood personal and profound moments the other was going through. Oddly enough they had a great connection.

Though the acting wasn't fantastic, it wasn't a downfall for the film.

I am absolutely shocked to say this but I thoroughly enjoyed watching "I Love You, Beth Cooper". I would recommend it for a good laugh.

What Did Critics Expect?

[dfeenz · 7/10 · 14 September 2009]

Come on, this is a high school comedy the way they used to do them back in the '80s! This is not John Hughes territory, as you might be led to believe upon seeing "Home Alone" director Chris Columbus at the helm. No, this is another breed of '80s comedy. This is more "Three O'Clock High" than "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," which is not necessarily a bad thing, depending on your taste. The humor here is broad and unsophisticated, for the most part, but fits with the brisk pacing and sunny tone of the film. This movie invites you to have a good time along with the cast. It throws you in the middle of a heightened reality/unlikely scenario (most geeks do not suddenly grow a pair and profess their love for the hottest girl in school during their valedictorian speech) and beckons you to simply enjoy the ride. While the films of John Hughes endeavor to depict a realistic panoramic view into the teenage mind, taking stereotypes and turning them inside out, this film, and its grandaddy "Three O'Clock High" do not carry such aspirations. They are fantasy, pure and true, and are all about having a good time. If the characters are two dimensional, so what? If the plot is threadbare, so what? Character development and story arc are not reasons to see a movie like "I Love You Beth Cooper." This is just a classic homespun yarn, taking place in Anywhere, USA, about a geek who outsmarts a bully and gets the girl. If you expected more, you're going to be disappointed. This is the kind of movie that could work just as well as a cartoon. It's a zippy, predictable ride from point A to point B, but the journey is not lacking in entertainment value. If you, like me, are a fan of "Three O'Clock High" and on many-a-day would watch it over "Bueller," then you're in for a treat because this is practically a remake albeit with the addition of a love interest.

I don't know why I wasted my time...

[emilyc1351 · 2/10 · 12 July 2009]

Just awful! This movie should have just gone straight to DVD instead of hitting the theaters. Everything about this movie was awkward. It seemed as if they wanted to put Hayden P. in the movie so they could get some people to go see it, but unfortunately it was just a disaster. She deff. shouldn't do "funny" movies, because just watching her trying to be "funny" made me want to cry. The guys in this movie were very amateur, I just hope they didn't waste too much money making this film because it probably would have been better if they had gotten' a few bums off the street to play these ridiculous characters.

I should have known better before even going to see this film because most of these movies-the nerds getting with the popular girls-is just so unreal esp. for high school. I'm getting so sick of it!

Negative reviews are wrong

[day_andy · 10/10 · 27 September 2009]

The opening speech, which is painfully hilarious, sets the tone for this movie.

I went into this movie knowing the plot and knew I couldn't expect too much.

I laughed constantly throughout the movie, if i wasn't, i was smiling. There's lots of original comedy in this movie even if it is about a nerdy highschool boy trying to get the hottest cheerleader.

For what this movie is and what it tries to be, its got 10/10, lets face it, it's not trying to be Dead Poet's Society.

I would recommend this to people I know, saying its SO much better than all the reviews out there. I think its classic. 10/10(it couldn't be any better for what it is)

Do not waste your time

[duggam · 1/10 · 9 July 2009]

I will preface this review by saying that I walked out on it 45 minutes in. That being said, I knew that the movie was going to be bad in under five minutes. The director seemed to be working off lots of cringing awkward moments that were not the least bit clever. I had to leave when it was certain that all the characters were going to stay in their very simple formats. The main character is awkward, his friend is badly presented as closeted gay, the main girl is sweet and a little crazy, her friend is a slut, and the other one had not done anything by the time I left. All the gags were obvious well before they were presented so I do not recommend this in a format where you cannot fast forward.

Flawed but Harmless Fun

[Caesarboy5 · 7/10 · 29 October 2013]

If you're planning on watching some really top grade comedy films this is not your movie. But if a friend of yours harmlessly asks "wanna watch "I Love You, Beth Cooper"" don't say no.

Its problem is that It's a fun movie that just seems like it could have so much better. The film's script, heavily based on the critically acclaimed novel, noticeably benefits from its smart humour. Unfortunately, the humour doesn't play out that way the whole time because of some bad line delivery. This is probably the director's fault. The material in the script seems like the kind of material that could have benefited a lot from good execution and its just a shame. It was the kind of humour that could have been quoted from a cult following for ages to come. Ala Wayne's world and mike Myers.

The bad line delivery is also a fault of the cast, that sometimes works and sometimes doesn't, notably the girls.

What it comes down to, is the film is a cheesy PG-13 teen comedy that works, just not to its full potential. There are a lot better movies out there, but I still enjoyed the movie.

It gets a seven out of ten.

Why the hell have they paired up a schoolgirl with a 30 year old..?!!

[GirishGowda · 7/10 · 3 April 2010]

A nerdy valedictorian proclaims his love for the hottest and most popular girl in school – Beth Cooper – during his graduation speech. Much to his surprise, Beth shows up at his door that very night and decides to show him the best night of his life...

That was the plot of the story. I was very surprised at the things Hayden did on screen as Beth Cooper. I mean she acts so mature in all her interviews & is a good role model for so many young girls. Why did she do what she did in the movie. I mean, the nude scene & some cussing. Don't get me wrong, I liked the movie. She looked very young to be a valedictorian & the nerd, Denis Cooverman, frankly looked like he was 30 (& he is 30) & it was very uncomfortable seeing him with her on screen. I know she's not a schoolgirl, but she sure looks like it.

All those things aside, this is a very fun movie. This is not going to be one of those high school film classics, by any mean, but I didn't feel like I wasted my time watching this. The ending scene with Beth & Dennis on the lake & she's expressing her fear of the unknown in front of her was very moving. Who wouldn't feel like that at least slightly when they are as popular as Beth Cooper was in high school.

I love Hayden Panettiere in the TV series HEROES & I liked her performance here. They should have put a younger actor with her to play Denis.

7/10

NOTHING like the book, HIGHLY disappointing.

[sonicsphinx · 3/10 · 12 July 2009]

My friend and I had both read the original book released in 2007, and couldn't believe they were making a movie of it. We arrived anticipating a few censor ships on the more graphic scenes, but over all a faithful rendition; we could not have been more wrong.

We were HIGHLY disappointed in the movie "I Love You, Beth Cooper". It was pretty much nothing like the book; only the character names were the same and the same basic plot. They cut out all the best scenes: The end of the book when they're all at the cabin and Rich puts on the bear skin rug and holds the gun, the part when Dennis and Kevin fight on the boat in the lake and Dennis almost kills Kevin, and the part when the police show up. Also, Hayden Panettiere blew chunks as Beth Cooper and played her totally wrong. However, Paul Rust and Jack Carpenter were spot on, they saved the movie. Some scenes were exactly how i pictured them, like when they crash into the parents' car, or when Greg Saloga makes amends with Dennis.

All in all, I'd say if you read the book, you'll be sorely disappointed in this movie, and if you didn't read it, or you have an affinity for Hayden Panettiere, you might enjoy it.

Very pleasantly surprised

[steveorr-01599 · 7/10 · 2 December 2021]

Usually, the most this type of movie can get from me is five stars. They are all pretty much boiler-plate, and I usually hate the nerds and the hot babe equally.

This was not the case here. Rust and Carpenter came off as more "normal" and less annoying than say Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse or Jay Baruchel. Panettiere was indeed beautiful (could have used a toning up for head cheerleader role, though), but she was not some aloof, unapproachable/unattainable b****.

I genuinely liked the characters and didn't find the story as annoying as usual. This makes it a cut above.

I Don't Love You, Beth Cooper

[iwishicouldthink-1 · 14 July 2009]

By my recollection this is only the second high school wide release film of the year (the other being the equally unoriginal 17 Again). Yet, despite it not being worn thin this year, the high school genre needs major help. It's a time of life that is of significance to everyone. Obviously, for some it is much more prominent than for some others. But at that time, the world seems magnified as never before. Why has no film been able to even come close to capturing that sentiment? Of course there are some that are brilliant The Last Picture Show, Dead Poet's Society, than there's ones that don't really have all that much to do with high school like Rushmore, Boyz N' the Hood, and oldies like Rebel Without A Cause and a huge collection from the 1980's with Say Anything being the strongest of the bunch, but over the course of cinematic history this genre, more than any other, has been completely butchered. The last ten years has been the worst. The main problem is that every high school film has it in their head that there is this hierarchy that simply does not exist. I don't know if it ever did, but in my life and my frequent conversations with others on the topic it has been confirmed that it doesn't. Perhaps, in the 1980's there was such division. There were these groups of nerds, jocks, losers, weirdos and, well, the "it" girls. Maybe these groups collided in the ways we still see in films, you know, swirlies, and locking freshman in lockers, and wedgies too. Jocks are always dumb. Always. Nerds are always picked on and they never ever get the girl. Ask Duckie. "It" girls are vicious, hate everyone, especially their parents and their best friend, they usually have a really bad life and that's why they hate everyone and all they want is someone to listen to them. Losers are stupid too, like jocks. Pretty much you're either stupid or a nerd getting your ass kicked. Thing is, high school is nothing like that. Valedictorians are not always nerds. They don't even always give speeches at graduation commencement – I know, what about that mandatory valedictorian speech scene. Jocks can be smart. Yes, a human can exist that is both athletic and academic. I've seen it myself. I know, they might have to reinvent the whole formula. Nerds sometimes drink alcohol other than on the last day of high school. Yeah, I know, I don't know how that required "nerdy kid" cutting loose scene is going to happen then either. Sure, they're are groups in high school. Some kids you're friends with and others you're not. Sure some kids are smart and some are good at sports but it seldomly if ever defines their entire being. Thing is, adolescents are not one-dimensional people that resemble how they're represented in the twenty year formula that Hollywood has been using, subbing in new role players as they age. The fact that nothing that happens in I Love You, Beth Cooper would ever happen in real life isn't that big of a deal if not for the fact that a good movie about the topic deserves to be made. One not at a boarding school, one that doesn't involve drug addiction, one that doesn't involve being in a gang – one that is just a simple story of what it is really like at that moment when life is changing for everyone you know. That decisions that you're too young to be making end up dictating the years of your life that you haven't really even thought out. Where's that film? It could still be funny. It could still have a beautiful actress on the poster. It would certainly make more money that I Love You, Beth Cooper will. That film doesn't exist during any moment of Beth Cooper. Nor does a plot-line you haven't seen, a character you ever met in real life nor one you haven't met in film, an original line of dialogue, or anything than justifies its existence as cinema.

E @ A Reel Perspective

I'll take the surreal over the real

[hsoj_porrah · 7/10 · 8 May 2011]

A college flick exposes a film to a fair bit of comparison and criticism, but I didn't find it merited for this awkward and quirky movie - genuinely funny moments, good scripting and acting.

Interesting that some reviewers expected so much from a high school comedy, especially those who are disappointed when the movie follows "unbelievable" plot lines - Perhaps there's an audience out there for a dry, minute by minute High School take on "Big Brother", but as for me, I'm grateful for a High School comedy that doesn't take itself, or the High School setting so seriously.

Perhaps not legendary but novel enough and funny enough to warrant a night in front of the goggle box.

Beauty and the Geek - the movie

[Torpian · 5/10 · 25 October 2009]

'I Love You Beth Cooper' is a teen comedy that gently pushes a few boundaries but doesn't really do anything new. It is based on the book of the same name by Larry Doyle. Unlike the book though, this film never really captures the same atmosphere and leaves you wanting more from the characters. Unfortunately, due to some poor timing many of the jokes fall flat leaving the film to stutter instead of flow.

The film does pick up pace midway through the 2nd act however ultimately there isn't anything overly likable about the geek. A touch of reality may have made his character more believable but it seems the director prefers sight gags over substance. Some of the locations work well to build the atmosphere, but the dialog just feels too cheesy and forced to make you feel comfortable enough to just go with the story.

Hayden Panettiere is really the only reason you would watch this. It isn't hard to see why Denis would fall in love with her Beth - I kept thinking I'd probably do the same if I went to her school. I found her character to be very credible and I enjoyed every scene she was in.

If you like Beauty and the Geek and you're a fan of Hayden, this is worth watching. More music, faster - wittier dialog and more character development would have improved this ten fold.

Torture to sit through

[marcusman48 · 2/10 · 16 October 2014]

I don't know what I was expecting, but I think I got what I deserved. I shouldn't have been so stupid to fall into the trap.

I LOVE YOU, BETH COOPER just rehashes every teen-movie stereotype we've seen since ANIMAL HOUSE, and not in a way that's at all fresh or funny. I could quibble about a lot of the little things: I could, for example, point out that a big opportunity was missed, if the heroine's parents were fans of heavy metal, to name her ALICE Cooper instead of Beth (especially since "School's Out" features so prominently on the soundtrack), though of course a movie called I LOVE YOU, ALICE COOPER would have thrown people off as to what it was really about.

That aside, what angered me most were the stereotypes, especially the "nerd" ones. I've always hated the very word "nerd": it's an ugly slur and even sounds ugly, and if you ask me it should be considered "the other n-word." But popular culture continues to condescend to intelligent, artistic and/or shy people, trying to weasel their way out of accusations of nerd-bashing with "C'mon, we're just joking" or "We're laughing WITH you, not at you." Bull. They are most definitely laughing AT us.

Actually, just about every teen character - and some of the adults, too - is a stereotype. There ARE a few bright points: it's refreshing for once to see a black character in a movie who's not tough or foul-mouthed or talks like Jar Jar Binks. And Beth Cooper herself is a LITTLE more developed as a character...but for a farce like this one, that's not saying much.

I can't understand why movies like this one are still being made in the 21st century. I thought this was a generation that prided itself on being (pardon my cynicism) really smug and smart-alecky, and too cool for the old Hollywood shtick. Well, movies like BETH COOPER are not cool at all. And I don't want to hear the "we're-cool-because-we're-doing-it-ironically" excuse, because that carries no credibility for me.

Really, the only reason to subject oneself to this movie is for the generous close-up shot it offers of Hayden Panettiere's cute porn-star panties. So I'll give this film a "2" for the panties and also because Panettiere as a whole is a joy to look at. But believe me: there is absolutely nothing else saving I LOVE YOU, BETH COOPER from a "1" rating from me.

Some good moments, but very uneven comedy

[kevin_crighton · 5/10 · 24 August 2009]

Valedictorian Dennis Cooverman takes his opportunity during his speech at Graduation, to declare his love for Beth Cooper, the head cheerleader. So when she and her friends show up at his house after, he's ecstatic Unfortunately, he irate boyfriend Kevin doesn't take well to this and other things said in the speech, resulting in a wild night all over town...

There are some good things here. Hayden Panettiere, as Beth Cooper gives a pretty good performance, although her character isn't that much of a stretch from her character in Heroes. The best performance is actually from Jack Carpenter as Dennis's best friend (who may or may not be gay). In fact he's even better when you consider a lot of his lines are quoting other movies. He somehow gets away with it, even though it does get annoying at times.

Chris Colombus and Larry Doyle (who wrote the novel this is based on, and the screenplay too), have created a movie that while it does have moments such as the wet towel fight scene, staged like a proper duel being one, and a very sweet if unexpected ending being another, can't decide what they are trying to make. It does have moments that remind you of John Hughes movies in some of the dialogue, but some of the humour doesn't work at all.

And that is a shame. Had the humour worked through-out, then this might have been as good as American Pie, or Superbad perhaps. Sadly however, like a lot of movies aimed at teens, it doesn't quite work and may be forgotten as soon as you leave the cinema.

i have to be honest with you people

[suzridr · 2/10 · 20 July 2009]

I saw this movie with some friends, and it was the most uncomfortable i have ever been in my life. The first part of the movie (like 30 minutes) made me squirm at how awkward the movie was and how victimized the nerd was. As far as it being funny, it is relatively funny to be honest. There are some scenes that are good. But the ending sucked, and really had no point. The beginning was so bad that I thought about leaving during the movie and trying to get a refund. Maybe its just me, but the level of victimization the nerd was faced with just made me sick. There was one tit scene, and im surprised it was only rated PG-13. It is what it is, if I was 2 months older i would of seen bruno.

I enjoyed it.

[tennis_ace102 · 8/10 · 6 February 2011]

I think that these days, people are completely focused on things that don't need to be analysed. Yes the characters are stereotypes, so what? This movie had me laughing the whole way through and had really nice moments too. You need to watch it from the perspective that it isn't Oscar worthy, but it's a fun teen movie with laughs and pretty solid characters. I'm over modern day societies issue with stereotypical characters? i know a lot of real people who fit the stereotypes society has created, that's just as real as people who don't fit the stereotype. Not ground breaking, but not awful. Plus, it's good to see Hayden Panetierre in a movie. Watch the movie! i enjoyed it, you may 2.

Not a bad movie, Beth Cooper

[dee.reid · 7/10 · 11 July 2010]

There is something to be said about "I Love You, Beth Cooper," and that within in its opening moments the movie really has you in its grasp and it doesn't let go. The movie surprises us during these opening moments with a high school graduation speech by nerdy valedictorian Denis Cooverman (Paul Rust), who announces in his speech that He Loves Beth Cooper (Hayden Panettiere, of TV's "Heroes"). Later that night, she and two friends crash a makeshift party at Denis's house, and she proceeds to show him the night of his life.

Denis gets beaten to a pulp numerous times throughout the night by Beth's crazy, coked-up military ex-boyfriend Kevin (Shawn Roberts), has a few beers with his would-be girlfriend Beth and her girls, and his friend Rich (Jack T. Carpenter, who may or not be gay), makes nice with his high school tormentor, crashes a rich b****'s party, breaks into their high school after-hours, and comes to the realization that Beth is a lot more than just his dream girl.

"I Love You, Beth Cooper" is a great way to lose yourself in some raunchy, "PG-13"-rated teen comedy for 102 minutes. I guess one of the main reasons I liked the film so much was because I graduated from high school in 2004 and have very few decent memories of my experiences; thus, that is why I took such a special liking to Paul Rust's Denis Cooverman character. Perhaps that's one of the reasons why Larry Doyle wrote his novel of the same name, from which this film is obviously based and why he wrote the screenplay, from which Chris Columbus directs.

Doyle's script hurdles from one comically absurd set-up to another. I was a high school nerd/loner, who also happened to have his own "Beth Cooper" for four years during that time. No, I wasn't a high school valedictorian and no, I didn't profess my love for her in front of the whole school and almost ruin my graduation proceedings. And no, she didn't show up at my house one night and proceed to show me the night of my life. Maybe that stuff works in the movies, but not in real life. To this day, however, we remain good friends. For the time being, that's really all I need.

"I Love You, Beth Cooper" does have a number of amusing set-pieces, many of which I just described. The irony of Cooverman's speech is that not only does he call out numerous people from his high school class for their flaws and insecurities, but the set-pieces over the course of the film allow him to confront these people head-on, and the results are often quite funny and at the right time, touching. A primary example of this would be when Denis reconciles with his bully, and said bully later saves the day when Denis is attacked by Kevin and his two drones.

Paul Rust is good as the typical high school nerd who loves the PPG (pretty popular girl - trademark). He has the mannerisms, etc. that make you believe that he's a nerd. He also just looks like a high school nerd who didn't have many good moments during his four years in high school. The real surprise is Hayden Panettiere as Beth Cooper. Panettiere, who played one of my favorite characters from "Heroes," Claire Bennet, is good at playing a hot high school dream girl who while she may appear outwardly perfect in every conceivable way, does show some vulnerability and sensitivity, which makes her character much more likable and believable. Such emotional sensitivity does come as quite a shock to Cooverman, who slowly comes to realize over the course of the night that Beth Cooper is indeed much more than she appears to be. She is Beth Cooper; she's not perfect, but she's close enough to perfection for Denis Cooverman.

"I Love You, Beth Cooper" is a good little high school film, no more, no less. Anyone looking for anything deeper will be sorely disappointed.

7/10

Just Another Teen Movie

[amahlanand · 4/10 · 13 May 2012]

I acknowledge that I haven't read the book, but this cinematic adaptation made Larry Doyle's novelisation of high school life seem ridden with teenage clichés as well as an unrealistic glimmer of hope for geeks. After all, a valedictorian and a lead cheerleader don't often end up being an item of any sort and the film didn't challenge you to believe it. That being a foremost example, the lack of even faint viability of plot (as impracticable as teen movies tend to be) certainly weighed it down.

I would class this coming of age flick as a nerd comedy albeit so cheesily geeky that it became a bit mindless really. A better way of categorising this film would be from a relative perspective by terming it a poor man's 'Superbad' minus the presence of characters who you'll remember. Unlike that particular take on high school society, the nerd element didn't quite translate into comedy. Were there really any gags in it? Of this, I honestly wasn't overly sure. I was definitely expecting a low grade standard of humour which wouldn't tickle everybody's fancy but the geeky infusion just didn't deliver much on that front.

It was not rather hard to believe in Hayden Panettiere as the 'it girl'. Let's face it, she looks every bit the part. On the same note, Paul Rust wasn't particularly hard to believe either at face value. Yet, he was a picture of disappointing monotony. His performance resembled a punching bag which absorbed the hits that came his way whilst being lifeless and uncontributing. Speaking of punching bags, the senseless 'fight scenes' in this movie definitely seemed out of sync with the concept of teen comedy. Rust didn't do much to create an impression opposing that sentiment.

Profound it may not have aimed to be, but the film does deliver a 'don't judge a book by its cover' message. Doubtful it would be taken too seriously though.

More than just your average teen comedy

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 10 February 2011]

"I Love You, Beth Cooper" is a tad more than just your average teenage comedy. Sure it has the typical teenage comedy material in it, but there is also a deeper story to it. A romantic story, and it is one that you can easily get yourself into because it is quite nice.

Of course, the movie was helped along the way by a fairly good young cast. Hayden Panettiere (playing Beth) was a good touch to the movie with her charm and wits. But of course, it was the performance of Paul Rust (playing Denis) who carried the movie all the way. Jack Carpenter (playing Rich) was also quite good in the role. One part of the cast that weren't so great were the two goons constantly following Shawn Roberts (playing Kevin) around. They were laughable and came off as mindless drones. Actually, the whole part with these 3 older military-like guys was a bit unnecessary and forced.

I liked "I Love You, Beth Cooper" because it had an extra layer to it compared to your average teenage comedy. This movie has just enough laughs, awkward scenes and a solid love story going on. And those elements worked well together for the movie as a whole.

The whole speech scene at graduation day was really cool. It was so delightfully awkward and weird.

"I Love You, Beth Cooper" is well worth the watch if you are in for an evening of comedy, but like your movies to have more than just shallow laughs on the menu. The story (and all its side aspects) was really good. This is one of the more impressive teenage comedies I have seen in awhile.

Anything for Beth Cooper...

[namashi_1 · 5/10 · 28 October 2009]

While watching Chris Columbus's careers worst work 'I Love You, Beth Cooper', which has been adapted from a novel with the same, whose author was Larry Doyle, the only enjoyment I had was watching the "Babe" Hayden Panettiere.

Frankly Speaking, this movie is a full-on bore. Hayden Panettiere looks gorgeous throughout and her Hello Panties kept me entertained. No I am not a pervert, but that's all I could notice. Hayden is a complete babe and will surely rule Hollywood in the coming years. She's a bombshell and if you dare to watch this flick watch it only and only for her.

Chris Columbus you need to groom yourself. Thumbs down!

Meh, better than the usual geek loves cheerleader movie

[jmc-54939 · 6/10 · 30 March 2021]

So it takes a newish approach to the nerd and the cheerleader high school plot again. It's not bad. It's not great but definitely an enjoyable movie. Watch it knowing it's not getting an Oscar or Golden Globe, and watch it for what it is and you will enjoy it.