Senior Year [2022]

Senior Year is an extremely light comedy. You’ll laugh, but instantly forget why, even before you finish watching.

At this point, I think we all know what to expect when we see Rebel Wilson in a movie. Wilson has a commitment-to-the bit similar to Ryan Reynolds where her saucy signature personality and quick wit always follow her physical comedic bravery. However, if Wilson doesn’t see the writing on the wall after this, she should. Take a break! Or do something new.

Let’s be honest: Wilson is inherently funny and she manages to wring a few laughs out of the sitcom script, but the thin plot is stretched out by the inclusion of multiple dance numbers. The gay boy in me loved the Britney Spears references, the obvious inclusion theme, and much more. But it wasn’t enough to take any of it seriously.

The movie goes for a sentimental kick about celebrating your genuine selves that it just didn’t land. By the third act, its dialogue is so burdened by inspirational maxims about personal authenticity that it feels as though the script has been hijacked by yearbook quotes and written by a teenager.

Play hooky.

Should you watch it?

Rebel Wilson provides a spark, but Senior Year’s script is so tonally inconsistent. They never capitalize on the idea, and the final product is messy. However, it’s an easy-to-watch nostalgia trip worth taking.

Where can I watch it?

You can stream Senior Year exclusively on Netflix.