The boy cleans of nicely... Drive Me Crazy
By Ross Anthony
A "B+" for surprisingly solid acting and dialogue. But since the plot line is a road we've traveled countless times before, there's no unpredictable twists to jerk the film out of the clutches of mediocrity.
Teen next door neighbors, Nicole and Chase, feign a loving high school couple in order to attract the real objects of their hearts affection -- you know, through jealousy. But the scam may backfire -- could they accidentally fall for each other? Ya think? Of course the whole thing climaxes (though that's a strong word) at the Centennial dance (a teen flick prom substitute).
The most interesting parts of the story get lost: Chase is a sub-culture, anti-conformist who delights (along with two buds) in making fun of the preppy crowd. Nicole is deep into the "in" crowd. Their coupling puts Chase into Dockers and tames his wild head of hair. Says his ex, "Did you fall in love or just fall into the Gap?" How he reacts to his new "prep" pals is very interesting. However, only once he brings Nicole into his culture -- her reactions there are rich as well. Unfortunately, all of this gets run over by the steamroller of a predictable plot. It is only the solid performances, direction, dialogue and editing that keep the film from flat-lining.
But I'm an old fart, perhaps the unknowing teen will be waiting on the edge of her seat to see if Chase and Nicole "really really" work out.
Drive Me Crazy. Copyright © 1999. Rated PG-13. Starring Melissa Joan Hart, Adrian Grenier. Directed by John Schultz. Screenplay by Rob Thomas. Produced by Amy Robinson at Twentieth Century Fox.
Grade..........................B+
-- Copyright © 1999 Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more reviews visit: http://RossAnthony.com
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