Today’s movie is “Dude” (2018), the Netflix Original comedy written and directed by Olivia Milch, based on a story by Kendall McKinnon. The film follows Lily (Lucy Hale), Chloe (Kathryn Prescott), Amelia (Alexandra Shipp), and Rebecca (Awkwafina), as they deal with their last two weeks of high school, mostly through the use and abuse of drugs.

Spoilers ahead.

“Dude” (2018) is not the film portrayed in the trailer, at least not just that film. The viewer discovers this in the first ten minutes, as Lily and Chloe are hanging out with Chloe’s brother, Thomas (Austin Butler), who is in love with Lily. Lily and Chloe leave Thomas at a park, and afterwards, Thomas dies in a terrible car crash on his way home. A major buzzkill for what is supposed to be a late night comedy, but important to the overall story.

Fast forward one year later, and the group of friends are all getting ready for their future after graduation. The core cast is the heart of the film, with great chemistry between all four ladies, and excellent support from most characters. The film includes great sets and costumes, giving a mostly privileged feel for the main characters dealing with first world problems.

The main drawbacks to the film are the script and the overall message. In some ways, the film feels like a bait and switch, and trying to shoehorn a weed-based comedy with a dead brother/lover subplot creates tone problems. The film lacks resolution as well, leaving the main conflicts unresolved, which combined with the privileged surroundings left me disappointed. I was also not a fan of how Lily blows off being sexually assaulted.

“Dude” (2018) is still a fun comedy, though, despite its flaws, and the chemistry between the quartet is quite great. The comedy parts are above average, and while it stumbles in telling it, the more heartfelt subplots still turn out pretty good. Late night comedy fans may feel cheated by the more dramatic parts, but fans of female friend movies will laugh out loud.

Rotten Tomatoes: NR

Metacritic: NR

One Movie Punch: 7.2/10

Podcast: onemoviepunch.libsyn.com/episode-111-dude-2018

“Dude” (2018) is rated TV-MA and is currently streaming on Netflix.

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Joseph Dobzynski, Jr.

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