Not Another Teen Movie 2001
Directed by
Joel Gallen
Made by
Columbia Pictures
Plot Summary
In the typical high school setting of John Hughes High, located in sunny Southern California, the stunning Priscilla (Jaime Pressly), a prominent cheerleader, ends her relationship with her talented yet lackadaisical football boyfriend, Jake Wyler (played by Chris Evans). Jake, often seen as “The Popular Jock,” becomes furious when Priscilla begins dating the awkward but charming Les (Riley Smith), also known as “The Beautiful Weirdo,” simply to get back at him. Fueled by a bet made between Jake’s friend, Austin (Eric Christian Olsen), and Jake, the challenge becomes to turn Janey Briggs (Chyler Leigh), who is affectionately referred to as “The Pretty Ugly Girl,” into the new prom queen. Janey, a uniquely rebellious young woman, finds herself at the center of Jake’s plan to win over Priscilla.
At the same time, Priscilla takes in Sandy Sue (JoAnna Garcia), “The New Girl in School,” who unfortunately has Tourette’s syndrome. Jake is haunted by past traumas from a football game where he defied his coach, leading to disastrous consequences for a rookie player. In a moment of self-doubt, Janey confides in her father about potentially dating Jake after being ignored by him for six years. Her father’s humorous advice—expressing that Jake’s intentions might be purely physical—sets the stage for a tangled series of events.
As Jake attempts to win Janey’s heart, trouble brews both from his own sister, Catherine (Mia Kirshner), who harbors her own disturbing crush on him, and from Janey’s persistent admirer, Ricky Lipman (Eric Jungmann). In an effort to help her brother out, Catherine notably “transforms” Janey’s appearance by simply removing her glasses and changing her hairstyle. Meanwhile, Janey’s younger brother, Mitch (Cody McMains), and his friends plan to lose their virginity before graduation while trying to woo the lovely Amanda Becker (Lacey Chabert) with a romantic love letter.
The turning point arrives when Jake takes Janey to a party post-transformation, only to have her humiliated by Priscilla. Following a heart-wrenching moment where Jake attempts to comfort Janey, their relationship takes a drastic turn when she’s nominated for prom queen. However, Jake’s recent failures on the football field and a betrayal from Austin complicate their budding romance, leading to a dramatic fallout on prom night.
With tensions running high, the much-anticipated prom sees unexpected alliances and betrayals unfold. Jake discovers that Janey’s outburst causes her to leave, leading him to chase after her only to find himself grappling with deception and misunderstandings. In a frantic race against time, he arrives at the airport just as Janey is about to board a flight to Paris for art school. In an effort to convince her to stay, he attempts to charm her with cliched movie quotes, culminating in a heartfelt moment of connection.
The film concludes with hilariously chaotic moments, including Janey’s father, Mr. Briggs (Randy Quaid), experiencing a pie-related mishap, plus a lighthearted post-credits scene featuring the already quirky Albino Folk Singer who is now in a peculiar predicament. The tangled web of teenage romance, rivalry, and personal growth comes together in a story that balances humor and heartfelt moments, much like the memorable films of the past.
Timeline
Priscilla Breaks Up with Jake
In the sunny setting of John Hughes High, popular cheerleader Priscilla decides to end her relationship with her football boyfriend, Jake Wyler. This decision sends shockwaves through their social circle and ignites a fierce rivalry between Jake and the new love interest, Les.
Priscilla Starts Dating Les
After breaking up with Jake, Priscilla begins dating Les, an awkward yet charming student. This move is a calculated attempt to make Jake jealous, setting off a chain of revenge-driven events.
Jake's Bet with Austin
Jake's friend, Austin, proposes a bet to Jake, challenging him to transform Janey Briggs into the new prom queen. This bet becomes the focal point of Jake's misguided efforts to win back Priscilla and fuels the entire transformation saga.
Janey's Transformation
With help from Jake's sister Catherine, Janey undergoes a dramatic transformation that alters her appearance dramatically. This change aims to increase her popularity and make her an attractive candidate for prom queen, although it raises questions about authenticity.
Sandy Sue Joins the School
The arrival of Sandy Sue, the new girl with Tourette's syndrome, adds another layer of complexity to the social dynamics at school. Although she struggles with acceptance, she brings a unique perspective to the otherwise superficial environment.
Janey’s Confession
Feeling confused about her feelings for Jake, Janey confides in her father about her long-standing crush. His humorous input sheds light on the possible challenges of dating a popular jock like Jake, illustrating the generational gaps in understanding teenage romance.
Janey's First Party with Jake
After her metamorphosis, Janey attends a party with Jake, where her newfound popularity is put to the test. However, her excitement quickly turns to humiliation at the hands of Priscilla, leading to a period of self-doubt.
Jake Comforts Janey
Following the humiliation at the party, Jake attempts to comfort Janey and express his feelings. This moment is crucial as it marks a turning point in their relationship, leading to deeper emotional intimacy.
Janey is Nominated for Prom Queen
As the prom approaches, Janey is unexpectedly nominated for prom queen, causing both excitement and tension. This nomination complicates her relationships, particularly with Jake, as they navigate their feelings amidst the chaos.
Prom Night Drama
Prom night arrives with high expectations, but it is marred by betrayal and misunderstandings. Jake's failure on the football field and conflicts with Austin threaten to unravel everything they have built.
Janey Leaves for Paris
After the tumultuous events of prom night, Janey decides to leave for Paris to pursue her dreams of art. This decision forces Jake to confront his feelings and the consequences of their tumultuous journey.
Jake's Last Ditch Effort
In a frantic race against time, Jake tries to stop Janey from boarding her flight. He uses cliched movie quotes in an attempt to charm her back, reflecting on the absurdity and sincerity of teenage romance.
Heartfelt Moment
As Jake and Janey reconnect at the airport, they share a heartfelt moment that encapsulates their journey together. This encounter signifies the growth they both experienced throughout the film and the potential for a future together.
Mr. Briggs' Mishap
In a hilarious turn of events, Janey's father, Mr. Briggs, finds himself in a pie-related mishap, adding comic relief to the film's conclusion. This moment highlights the quirky dynamics of family amidst the romantic chaos.
Post-Credits Scene
In a lighthearted post-credits scene, viewers are treated to a glimpse of the quirky Albino Folk Singer who finds himself in a peculiar predicament. This comedic touch serves as a reminder of the film's overall playful tone.
Characters
Priscilla
Priscilla is the quintessential cheerleader, known for her beauty and popularity at John Hughes High. After breaking up with her boyfriend Jake, she begins dating Les, igniting a series of events that fuel Jake's jealousy. Her character delivers a blend of confidence and vulnerability, showcasing the complexities of teenage relationships.
Janey Briggs
Janey is portrayed as the 'Pretty Ugly Girl' with a rebellious streak and a unique perspective on high school life. Beneath her unconventional appearance lies a strong, creative spirit eager for self-discovery. Her character's transformation serves as a commentary on societal beauty standards and the quest for acceptance.
Jake Wyler
Jake, the popular jock, initially embodies the archetype of a careless teen but undergoes significant character development. His jealousy and insecurities surface as he navigates his feelings for Janey and the implications of his actions. His journey highlights themes of redemption and emotional maturity.
Setting
Time period
The movie encapsulates the quintessential experiences of high school life, characterized by drama, romance, and social hierarchies. This era resonates with the nostalgic themes found in 90s teen films, capturing the essence of youthful exploration and emotional turmoil.
Location
John Hughes High, Southern California
John Hughes High serves as the quintessential backdrop for teenage angst and romantic escapades. Located in the vibrant region of Southern California, the school is a spirited hub known for its diverse student body and lively social dynamics. It's the perfect setting for a parody rooted in the tropes of classic teen films.
Themes
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Heartbreak
The film explores the theme of heartbreak through various relationships, particularly between Jake and Priscilla, as well as Jake's evolving feelings for Janey. These romantic entanglements illustrate the painful but often humorous realities of teenage love. The narrative highlights how heartbreak can lead to personal growth and unexpected connections.
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Transformation
Transformation is a crucial theme as Janey undergoes a dramatic makeover to fit in with the popular crowd. This physical change reflects her internal struggle and desire for acceptance. The movie critiques societal pressures regarding appearance and the true essence of self-worth beyond looks.
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Prom Night
Prom night serves as the climax of the film, embodying both excitement and chaos. This pivotal event brings together all characters, showcasing their intertwined stories of love, betrayal, and unexpected resolutions. The prom experience encapsulates the highs and lows of adolescent life, ultimately leading to personal revelations.
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