Project X

Project X

(Nima Nourizadeh, 2012)

Rating: 2.5/5

Reviewed by Dave Lancaster

Summary: Well staged but juvenile, Nima Nourizadeh's 'Project X' is 'The Hangover' without the wit but plenty of headache.

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Despite lots of impressive visuals, 'Project X' doesn't work because it makes its background into its foreground.

You're left watching a circus which, despite good use of handheld "found footage" cameras, leaves you feeling like an uninvolved and uninterested guest at the biggest party to be shared on Facebook.

This is a film almost completely lacking focus or likeable characters, making its 88-minute running time feel considerably longer.

Its plot sees three high school teens host a party that goes way out of control, making the boys men in the process - albeit not very mature ones. It's stretched script continues a modern trend of confusing insults with comedic exchanges, making the characters look like they're playing to an audience instead of each other.

Yes, there are a few golden gags - a midget in the oven's angry exit is raucous - but not enough to warrant the damage.

Check out the trailer below:

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