The Outcasts (2017)

I had quite low expectations when deciding to watch this video but I was gleefully surprised by how sophisticated​ it was. I've read the reviews which compare it to mean girls and although it may have some similarities I found it to be more driven by a educative purpose on what power is and how it is procured and corrupted. At first I thought it was lame that it quoted 48 laws of power which is a remarkable book but then I realized the writers verily had a good understanding of the book and it's dynamics in a high school space. To conclude, if you don't have the interest of thinking and want merely to be entertained perhaps this movie is not for you. But if you want a movie that'll challenge you then give this a chance.

In spite of its attempt to appeal to geeks by CONSTANTLY pandering with sci-fi references, this is ultimately a good example of what happens when a talented cast gets little to do. That's not to say there aren't funny moments. There are! (Especially from Eden Sher.) But the overall experience feels empty. It's yet another teen movie version of Animal Farm with very little imagination and not even a clear idea of how the "losers" take over the school. I had at least hoped for a fun, cathartic story about getting revenge on the "mean girls" but even that angle is subverted. The filmmakers force us to feel sorry for the people we'd rather love to hate and suck the fun out of it. Yet the "geek vs chic revolution" story continues, even after we're left with no side to root for. I get it… That was the point. Okay. But it was very unsatisfying. Again, it wasn't awful or un-watchable. Just… "eh."

This film could be called "Mean Girls 3." It is basically the same type of film where high school outcasts get revenge on the evil cool clique. The two girls who lead the charge are Jodi (Victoria Justice) a Tina Fey clone and Mindy (Eden Sher) auditioning for "Big Bang Theory." The characters and plot were formula. The dialogue was cute enough to make up for the short comings of predictability. Worth a view if you like "Mean Girls" type of films. Not as good as "Mean Girls" but better than "Mean Girls 2." Guide: No swearing sex, or nudity.

If you add a bit of jeekiness and weirdness, take away a little bit of Hollywood polish and sophistication, and possibly stir in a pinch of satire on the Mean Girls & The Clique, then you'll have this movie. It's not an award winning movie, but if you take it as fun, you'll be fine with it.