College Still Sucks (2023 film)

College Still Sucks, also known as High School Sucks 4: The End of the Road, is a 2023 Magisterian ensemble romantic comedy film directed by Marcus Kipling and co-written by Monroe Seward, Mary Lou Purcell, and Piers Downer. It is the fourth film in the High School to College Sucks film franchise, and was followed by the television adaptation Adulthood Sucks, which premiered on December 2, 2023. The group is on their way of graduating from college in the film, and they contemplate on the next phase of their lives. The fifth film, The High School Reunion, is currently in development.

Development of the fourth film in the High School to College Sucks film franchise, formally announced by Kipling Studios in December 2019, was confirmed before the release of its predecessor College Sucks (2019). It is the franchise's first and only film that was not directed by Boyce Kipling, who passed away on February 18, 2019. It was released on January 18, 2023, and garnered generally favorable critical reviews, grossing US$282.1 million worldwide. Adulthood Sucks, the television adaptation of the film franchise, premiered on December 2, 2023.

Plot
Francis, his girlfriend Alphonsine, and his friends Albin, Roger, and Devin are on the verge of graduating from college as the film begins. Roger shares his concern about the group breaking up as they reflect on their lives after graduation. Francis recognizes the inevitability of change and attempts to reassure Roger that it is a natural aspect of life. However, Roger, ever stubborn, decides to take matters into his own hands in order to keep the gang together, resulting in a sequence of humorous escapades.

Despite Roger's efforts to keep the group together, his actions simply add to his friends' dissatisfaction and exasperation. Roger's immaturity and reckless behavior irritates Francis, Albin, and Devin. This leads to a heated confrontation, which causes Roger to walk out, feeling rejected and hurt. Francis confides in Alphonsine about the possibility of marriage after graduation in the middle of the group's strife. Alphonsine questions Francis about the problem with Roger as they consider their future together. Francis, first hesitant about disclosing the information, ultimately opens up, recognizing that Roger, despite his immaturity, actually cares about them, particularly during Alphonsine's pregnancy.

Realizing the weight of their claims, the group joins together to apologize to Roger. They accept his attempts, however wrong, to keep the circle together and express thanks for his real concern. Understanding Roger's loneliness in his single existence, the group agrees to assist him in finding love. Albin, the smooth-talking friend, and Devin, the intellectual, band together to help Roger navigate the perilous seas of dating. Roger meets Chrystal, the new girl at the pub where he works. After a series of humorous efforts, Roger's achievement in obtaining her phone number is celebrated by the gang.

Marianne, Albin's former love, reappears among the tumult. Their reunion is not going as well as intended, with Albin expecting to rekindle the spark they previously shared. The gang, particularly Roger, jumps in to assist Albin in regaining Marianne. Marianne, on the other hand, confronts Albin, making it obvious that their high school romance is finished. Albin, who is devastated, receives comfort from his friends. Unaware of the scenario, Alphonsine learns of Albin and Marianne's problems. She persuades Marianne to rethink by emphasizing Albin's genuine love. Marianne apologizes to Albin and agrees to give their love another opportunity after some thought.

On the day of graduation, the group reflects on their college experience and looks ahead. Francis promises something larger in store, keeping the gang intrigued. Alphonsine, who was due to give a speech, delivers a heartfelt speech about academic successes, friendships, and blossoming romances. In an unforeseen change of circumstances, Francis approaches the stage and proposes to Alphonsine, believing she is his forever. Alphonsine accepts the proposal, overcome with emotion. The graduation ceremony closes with the group celebrating not just their academic achievements, but also Francis and Alphonsine's approaching marriage.

The film concludes with Francis and Alphonsine's wedding, a beautiful day full with hilarity, gaffes, and genuine emotions. After overcoming the hardships of college and celebrating each other's accomplishments, the group gathers to witness Francis and Alphonsine's marriage.

Cast

 * Luke Bannerman as Francis Perkins
 * Mindy Kemper as Alphonsine Michaels
 * David Falkner as Roger Burgess
 * Camron D. Harris as Albin LeBlanc
 * Alyssa Lavigne as Marianne Finch
 * Sid Farnham as Devin Brewster
 * Heidi Brodeur as Penelope Underwood
 * Aydan Aiken as Ryland Perkins
 * Christine Jervis as Madeline Perkins
 * Terrance Segal as Dillion Michaels
 * Yvonne Blanchet as Chrystal

Production
On a budget of $28 million, principal photography took place from early November 2021 to April 2022 in downtown Calisota, Philadelphia. It was revealed in March 2021 that Luke Bannerman, Mindy Kemper, and Camron D. Harris have agreed to reprise their roles. Bannerman, Kemper, and Harris were given executive producer credentials and were instrumental in persuading the other prior cast members to return. Heidi Brodeur and David Falkner joined in April 2021, and the following month, Sid Farnham, Alyssa Lavigne, Aydan Aiken, Christine Jervis, and Terrance Segal were the final returning cast members to sign on.

Reception
The film has an approval rating of 89% on review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 7.5/10 based on 267 reviews. The film has a weighted average score of 80 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 50 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews."