High School Still Sucks (2013 film)

High School Still Sucks, also known as High School Sucks 2: Still Sucks as Ever, is a 2013 Magisterian coming-of-age teen romantic comedy film directed by Boyce Kipling and co-written by Monroe Seward, Flavien Lemoine, and Crispin Key. A sequel to the 2011 comedy film High School Sucks, it is the second of four films in the High School to College Sucks series and stars Luke Bannerman, Mindy Kemper, Camron D. Harris, Heidi Brodeur, David Falkner, Sid Farnham, and Alyssa Lavigne. The film follows Francis' attempts to lose his virginity with Alphonsine before graduating from high school.

High School Still Sucks was released on November 15, 2013 in Magisteria and abroad. It was a commercial success, generating over US$142.6 million in Magisteria and US$139.7 million overseas on a budget of US$22 million, making it the franchise's second-highest grossing film at just under US$283 million worldwide, behind only College Sucks (2019) at US$306 million.

Plot
Francis and his friends are facing the challenges of their final year as the film begins. The flamboyant Albin, the energetic jock Roger, the scholarly Devin, and Francis form an eclectic group that revels in the friendship that has defined their high school experience. As the gang considers their last hurrah before graduation, Roger, ever the instigator, presents an audacious proposal that first shocks the others: they must lose their virginity. The concept seems a little too far-fetched, causing the group's first rejection. However, when they understand that this outlandish plot has the potential to boost their popularity and make a lasting impression on their high school legacy, they reluctantly agree to participate.

As the gang embarks on their crazy adventure, Francis faces a particular challenge: he is the only one in the group who has not lost his virginity. Francis sees himself falling behind his friends despite numerous attempts with Alphonsine, each of which ends in hilarious failure. As the academic year draws to a close, the pressure mounts. In an awkward moment, Francis reveals to Alphonsine his wish to take their relationship to the next level. Though first concerned, Alphonsine recognizes the complexities of high school expectations and reluctantly agrees to accompany Francis in this critical period.

Francis and Alphonsine enjoy their first sex the night before graduation, progressing from discomfort to laughter to pleasure. Francis, unbeknownst to him, oversleeps on the morning of graduation, waking up to learn that he is set to deliver a speech. Panicky, he races to get dressed, encountering a series of comic roadblocks along the way. Despite the pandemonium, Francis makes it just in time for the graduation ceremony.

Francis gives an impromptu address on stage, unkempt but determined. He talks passionately about the friendships he made and the youthful love he discovered during their high school years. The speech highlights the significance of honesty and cherishing the one-of-a-kind friendships created during this transforming moment. The film concludes with an emotional scene of the whole group snuggled together in a group hug. They contemplate the ridiculousness of their high school experiences, their personal progress, and the enduring relationships that will take them into the future. As they hug, the film's message becomes clear—high school may be difficult at times, but the connections and love created during these years are precious.

Cast

 * Luke Bannerman as Francis Perkins, Alphonsine's boyfriend and the film's main protagonist
 * Mindy Kemper as Alphonsine Michaels, Francis' girlfriend and the film's deuteragonist
 * Camron D. Harris as Albin LeBlanc, the flamboyant leader of Francis' circle
 * David Falkner as Roger Burges, the energetic jock of the circle
 * Sid Farnham as Devin Brewster, the intellectual nerd of the circle and Penelope's boyfriend
 * Heidi Brodeur as Penelope Underwood, Devin's girlfriend
 * Alyssa Lavigne as Marianne Finch, Alphonsine's best friend and Albin's girlfriend
 * Aydan Aiken as Ryland Perkins, Francis' father
 * Christine Jervis as Madeline Perkins, Francis' mother
 * Terrance Segal as Dillion Michaels, Alphonsine's hot-headed father

Production
Principal photography began on May 5, 2013 and ended on August 16, 2013. The film was released in two versions: the theatrical version and the unrated version. The film was slightly edited for the theatrical release, with a total of 19 scenes changed.

Reception
The film has a 79% approval rating on review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes, based on 138 reviews, with an average rating of 7.4/10. The film has a weighted average score of 85 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on reviews from 88 critics, indicating "universal acclaim."