High School Sucks (2011 film)

High School Sucks is a 2011 Magisterian coming-of-age teen romantic comedy film directed by Boyce Kipling and co-written by Monroe Seward and Crispin Key. The first of four films in the High School to College Sucks theatrical series, it stars Luke Bannerman, Mindy Kemper, Camron D. Harris, Heidi Brodeur, David Falkner, Sid Farnham, and Alyssa Lavigne. The film's story centers on a circle of friends who attend the fictional Iron Fist High School.

High School Sucks was released theatrically in Magisteria on July 25, 2011, to favorable reviews and made over US$258.6 million on a US$19 million budget, spawning three direct sequels: High School Still Sucks (2013), College Sucks (2019), and College Still Sucks (2023).

Plot
The story revolves mostly around Francis, an unpopular high school misfit with a love of science and old movies. For as long as he can remember, Francis has had a hidden crush on Alphonsine, the effortlessly cool and artistic girl who sits two rows ahead in class. Francis takes months working up enough courage to ask her to prom since he is too shy to make a move. Francis ultimately develops the confidence to ask Alphonsine to the prom with the help of his eccentric circle of friends, which includes the suave Albin, the rowdy jock Roger, and the intellectual nerd Devin.

However, the prom night takes an unexpected turn. To impress Alphonsine, Francis attempts to recreate renowned movie moments as his big love gesture. Unfortunately, his well-meaning attempts result in a succession of comic calamities, ranging from tripping over his own feet during the first dance to accidently knocking over the punch bowl in an attempt to mimic a great film scene.

Devastated and sure that he has wrecked his chances with Alphonsine, Francis seeks comfort among his friends. Albin, their tight-knit circle's smooth-talking and suave leader, chooses to transform Francis' misfortune into an opportunity for personal growth. Albin pushes him to live his life authentically rather than conforming to preconceived conceptions of coolness. Meanwhile, Roger, the extroverted and energetic athlete, confronts his own set of difficulties when he discovers he's falling for a girl who doesn't match the stereotype of a cheerleader. As Roger struggles with society expectations, he realizes the value of being genuine to oneself. Devin, the group's cerebral geek, secretly nurtures emotions for a bookish girl named Penelope, who appears to be unaware of his presence. Devin learns from Albin that taking risks and embracing vulnerability may sometimes lead to unexpected relationships.

Alphonsine seeks out Francis a week after the prom incident. Surprising him with her honesty, she confesses that he captivated her with his genuine attempts to make the night exceptional. Alphonsine confesses she likes Francis for who he is, foibles and all. This revelation not only raises Francis' spirits, but it also teaches the entire group an important lesson about being honest to oneself. As the group of friends approach the end of the third year, they each go on their individual adventures of self-discovery. Albin discovers the value of vulnerability in relationships, Roger realizes the value of breaking away from cultural standards, and Devin takes a leap of faith to follow his own love interests.

The film concludes on the last day of high school, when the gang, now closer than ever, meets at Francis' parents' house to celebrate. The circle, which now includes Alphonsine, indicates that high school is a place where lasting friendships develop and unexpected romances blossom.

Cast

 * Luke Bannerman as Francis Perkins, an unpopular high school misfit and the film's main protagonist
 * Mindy Kemper as Alphonsine Michaels, an effortlessly cool and artistic girl and the film's primary love interest
 * Camron D. Harris as Albin LeBlanc, a charming and charismatic high school student who serves as the leader of Francis' circle
 * David Falkner as Roger Burgess, a raucous and popular jock
 * Sid Farnham as Devin Brewster, the intellectual nerd who harbors a secret crush on Penelope
 * Heidi Brodeur as Penelope Underwood, a bookish girl and Devin's love interest
 * Alyssa Lavigne as Marianne Finch, Alphonsine's best friend and Albin's eventual girlfriend

Production
Much of High School Sucks draws on the author's experiences at Victor Longin High School in Debsland. Monroe Seward wrote the script, provisionally titled Generic Awkward High Schooler Falls In Love With A Cooler Girl Story, in six weeks, drawing influence from American Pie (1999) and She's All That (1999). The film's principal filming began on October 21, 2010 and ended on March 19, 2011. Geoffrey Bristow was considered for the role of Francis Perkins, while Maegan Shelagh was considered for the role of Alphonsine Michaels during the film's casting.

Reception
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, High School Sucks holds an approval rating of 85% based on reviews from 226 critics; the average rating is 7.70/10. On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 79 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews".