MATURE CONTENT? Netflix's Rating: TV-14 Why?: Language (see below for more details)
SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY
In this teenage high school drama, two overly ambitious teens are debate rivals at their prep school. Bookish, modest Lona (Sami Gayle) is a near opposite of her loose, fun-loving single mom. Bennett (Jacob Lacamore), highbrow yet sometimes playful, is constantly under the pushy pressure of his politically successful mom. Both are a bit socially awkward and relentlessly determined to get into their favorite Ivy League schools.
Lona and Bennett are profoundly talented at high school debate, confidently arguing their side at blurring speed. Amidst the lofty expectations they both set themselves, they find welcome advice and solace in their wise school counselor's office (Helen Hunt).
Lona and Bennett's rivalry takes on a new shape when they are forced to work together on their debate team, despite their highly different approaches to the competition.
CRITICAL REVIEW
While I was hesitant at first to stream Candy Jar, with the honest question of: “How entertaining can a film about high school debate really be?” in my head, I was pleasantly surprised. Though this Netflix film is geared towards teens, I'd argue it contains amusing entertainment for any age. It definitely isn’t the typical teen movie with cringeworthy cheesiness, age-inappropriate relationships or out-of-control party scenes. While there is a relationship aspect to the storyline, it’s not overly dramatic or unrealistic. You don't necessarily have to be a smarty-pants to enjoy the story of these two nerds, but it’s definitely more relatable to those of us who were competitively intelligent high schoolers, at odds with our fellow straight A-ers, shying away from the homecoming dance and all the social pressures that came with it. Lona’s ambitious, get-things-done attitude paired with her single mom’s loose, fun-loving character reflect a Gilmore Girls-esque mother-daughter relationship.
The scenes showing off Lona and Bennett’s debate skills were artfully played out and full of high energy. Bennett’s rhythmic, quick-lipped arguments have an artful, almost rap-like quality. Lona’s forwardness and composed capability while she competes displays a contagious type of passion and confidence. Special effects artfully relay the thought process competitors have in the middle of all the excitements in a way that reminded me of BBC's Sherlock effects. I myself was never involved in debate clubs or anything similar, but after watching this I regret not giving it a go.
Lona and Bennett’s moms contribute a subplot of petty fighting that the film truly could have done without. Of course, it makes sense for two moms of children who are competitive with each other to have some small qualms, but the immature lengths the two go to while “getting back” at each other for heaven knows what is the only aspect of the film that had me thinking, “Well this isn’t realistic.” Another small aspect the film lacked in was creativity in making the audience familiar with the ins and outs of debate. The obvious “new kid” twin characters whose sole purpose was to be the receiver of info about debate for the sake of the audience’s understanding felt like a blatant cop out to.
Acting was all-around solid in the film, but the standout was definitely Helen Hunt’s shining school counselor version of Dumbledore. She’s the friend and advisor I wish I’d had amidst the pressures of my teen years (and I actually found solace in her wise words even now).
Overall, Candy Jar was a great film that I’d recommend to a variety of people.
WHAT MORMONS/PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
The only reason for Candy Jar's TV-14 rating is language—there's no sexual content, substance use or even partying. The more mature swear words are used a few times, but not frequently or overbearingly as many shows on Netflix tend to do.
The film contains a lot of positive messages and role models. Lona and Bennett’s journey towards their lofty goals show viewers that there’s a needed balance between pushing oneself to greatness and not being too hard on yourself when things don’t go quite as planned despite your best efforts. There’s positive family messages between kids respecting their parents and parents learning to do what’s best for their children (sometimes the hard way). Lona and Bennett are both great examples, especially to viewers their age or younger, of being ambitious and hardworking and forgiving.
Overall, viewers will leave the movie uplifted and maybe even inspired.