Strangers with Candy 2006
Directed by
Paul Dinello
Made by
THINKFilm
Plot Summary
In a daring return to her roots, Jerri Blank, a 46-year-old who refers to herself as a “junkie whore” with a complicated past, steps out of prison and finds herself back in her childhood home. However, she is greeted with the harsh truth that life has significantly changed in her absence. The passing of her mother and her father Guy Blank’s remarriage to the spiteful Sara Blank amplifies the sense of estrangement, while the arrival of her obnoxious half-brother Derrick throws yet another wrench into her plans. To add to the family turmoil, Jerri’s father is mysteriously incapacitated in a “stress-induced coma,” leaving his condition and their future uncertain.
Refusing to be disheartened by her challenging circumstances, Jerri chooses to follow the family doctor’s recommendation and embark on a fresh start by reliving her high school days as if they had never ended. With newfound determination, she enrolls as a freshman at Flatpoint High, eager to reclaim the spirit of her youth. Upon her arrival, she promptly joins Chuck Noblet’s science fair team, the Fig Neutrons, where she forges friendships with Megawatti Sucarnaputri and Tammi Littlenut, bringing a modern twist to her high school experience.
However, the excitement of competition soon escalates when Principal Onyx Blackman brings in Roger Beekman to bolster the team, securing Flatpoint’s path to victory. Not one to accept defeat easily, Noblet rises to the challenge by assembling a rival team to compete against them. As Jerri plunges back into the rollercoaster that is high school life, she comes to realize that, although time has passed, many of the struggles she faced back then, remain as relevant today as they were in her youth. As she encounters both old and new hurdles, Jerri’s journey becomes one of resilience and rediscovery amidst the chaos.
Timeline
Jerri's Release from Prison
Jerri Blank, a 46-year-old woman with a troubled past, is released from prison. After serving her time, she is determined to confront her past and make a fresh start.
Return to Childhood Home
Upon her return, Jerri finds herself in her childhood home, which is now filled with memories and loss. The atmosphere is somber, as she learns of her mother's death and the significant changes in her family's dynamics.
Father's Remarriage
Jerri's father, Guy Blank, has remarried a woman named Sara Blank. This new relationship adds to Jerri's feelings of alienation and complicates her efforts to reconnect with her family.
Derrick's Arrival
Jerri's half-brother, Derrick, arrives on the scene, bringing unwelcome drama into Jerri's life. His obnoxious presence further complicates the already strained family relationships.
Guy's Coma
Tragedy strikes when Jerri learns that her father is in a 'stress-induced coma.' This mysterious condition leaves Jerri and her family in a state of uncertainty, adding urgency to her desire for connection.
Doctor's Recommendation
Encouraged by the family doctor, Jerri decides to embrace her past by reliving her high school days. This decision marks the beginning of her adventurous and unconventional path to recovery.
Enrolling at Flatpoint High
Jerri enrolls as a freshman at Flatpoint High, eager to reclaim the spirit of her youth. This bold move signifies her determination to find belonging among the younger generation.
Joining the Fig Neutrons
Upon arriving at the school, Jerri joins the science fair team known as the Fig Neutrons, led by Chuck Noblet. Her involvement sparks new friendships and excitement about her school experience.
Meeting Teammates
Jerri forges bonds with her new teammates, Megawatti Sucarnaputri and Tammi Littlenut. Together, they embrace a modern twist on the high school experience, blending their unique personalities.
Principal's Intervention
Principal Onyx Blackman decides to boost their chances of winning the science fair by bringing in Roger Beekman. This unexpected move adds pressure to Jerri and her team.
Competition Heats Up
As the science fair approaches, competition intensifies when Chuck Noblet forms a rival team to challenge Roger Beekman’s group. This escalation brings out the competitive spirit in Jerri.
Facing Old Struggles
While navigating high school life, Jerri confronts the remnants of her past struggles. Although years have gone by, the challenges she faces now mirror those she experienced in her youth, creating a sense of familiarity.
Journey of Resilience
Jerri's journey through high school becomes one of resilience and self-discovery. Despite the chaos surrounding her, she learns to embrace her identity and the lessons life has taught her.
Reconnecting with Family
As Jerri navigates her new life at Flatpoint High, she also seeks to reconnect with her estranged family. The process is complicated, but she is determined to bridge the gaps caused by the years apart.
Evolving High School Experience
Ultimately, Jerri’s high school experience evolves, becoming an opportunity for growth and change. She learns that life is a continuous journey, full of challenges that shape who she is.
Characters
Jerri Blank
Jerri Blank is a 46-year-old woman who has reentered her childhood life with a blend of bravado and vulnerability. Labeling herself as a 'junkie whore,' she embodies resilience as she faces her family's rejection and attempts to reclaim her youth. Her quirky personality and determination to fit in at Flatpoint High make her a relatable and complex character.
Guy Blank
Guy Blank is Jerri's father, who finds himself in a precarious situation due to his sudden incapacitation in a 'stress-induced coma.' His remarrying to Sara Blank adds tension to the family dynamic. Guy's absence and the way his life has changed serve to highlight Jerri's struggles and sense of alienation from her roots.
Sara Blank
Sara Blank, Jerri's stepmother, is characterized by her spiteful nature. Her antagonistic relationship with Jerri exacerbates the family tensions, making her a significant obstacle in Jerri's quest for acceptance and stability. Sara's cold demeanor contrasts with Jerri's colorful personality, creating an interesting dynamic.
Chuck Noblet
Chuck Noblet is a teacher at Flatpoint High who becomes a mentor and motivator for Jerri. His passion for science and competitive spirit push Jerri to take risks and engage fully in her new high school life. Chuck’s character serves as a catalyst for Jerri’s transformation and growth throughout the film.
Setting
Time period
The events of the movie unfold in the contemporary era as Jerri Blank, despite being 46, chooses to relive her high school days. This unique blend of nostalgia and modernity highlights the struggles of reconciling past experiences with present realities, showing that personal challenges persist regardless of the time that has passed.
Location
Flatpoint High
Flatpoint High serves as the primary setting for Jerri's fresh start and return to her high school years. It's a bustling environment filled with diverse students and competitive spirit, known for its science fairs and various extracurricular activities. The school represents a bridge between Jerri's past and her attempts to reclaim her youth.
Themes
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Rediscovery
The theme of rediscovery is central to Jerri's journey as she returns to her childhood home and decides to reclaim her high school experience. This quest allows her to confront her past while navigating the complexities of her present life. Jerri's resilience in the face of challenges illustrates a powerful narrative of personal growth and transformation.
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Competition
Competition drives much of the plot as Flatpoint High prepares for the science fair. Jerri's involvement with the Fig Neutrons showcases her determination to succeed in a familiar yet challenging environment. This theme reflects not only the competitive spirit of high school but also the conflicts arising from ambition and rivalry among the characters.
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Family Struggles
Family struggles are a poignant theme as Jerri grapples with the changes in her family dynamics following her mother's death and her father's remarriage. The tension with her new stepmother and half-brother contributes to the broader narrative of Jerri's internal conflicts. These familial challenges remind her that navigating relationships can be as complicated as navigating life's hurdles.
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