Orange County film review

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ORANGE COUNTY

Orange County is that unlikely mix of teen farce and morality tale. It uses broad humour to convey the message that you don't need to leave home to find what you're looking for. Though it helps if your home happens to be in the upscale Orange County region of Southern California. The story of a privileged child endeavouring to pursue an artistic calling is one that is familiar to many of those involved in the making of this film. Reading like a progeny who's who of Hollywood, Colin Hanks is the son of Tom, Schuyler Fisk is the daughter of Sissy Spacek, and director Jake Kasdan is the son of writer/director Lawrence Kasdan. With such a pedigree, it's not surprising then that the consistently funny Orange County is a notch above the usual teen romp.

Kasdan has already proved himself with Zero Effect, but this marks the young Hanks' debut as a lead actor. Comparisons with his father are inevitable but unfair. Had the young Tom been measured against the actor he's become, I doubt he would have fared any better than Colin, who has inherited his father's easy charm and humility.

Hanks plays the thoughtful and ambitious Shaun Brumder, who sees writing as a means to escape his dysfunctional family. He sets his heart on going to Stanford University where his literary hero, Marcus Skinner (Kevin Klein), lectures. His decision to leave home upsets his mum (the hysterical Catherine O'Hara), who too readily resorts to alcohol and her bed whenever her inadequate coping skills are tested by Shaun's aging wheelchair bound step-father Bob (George Murdock) and stoned slacker brother Lance (Jack Black). When Shaun's hopes of getting into Stanford are thwarted by a clerical error, he embarks on a series of increasingly desperate ploys to gain entry.

Adding considerably to Orange County's appeal is John Lithgow as Shaun's very rich and very egocentric father and hilarious cameos from Lily Tomlin, Chevy Chase and Ben Stiller. With Jack Black doing another of his maniacal John Belushi performances, the film threatens at times to become too slapstick, but is kept in check by the romantic plot involving Shaun's long suffering girlfriend Ashley (Schuyler Fisk) whose willingness to help him get into Stanford is offset by her more selfish desire to prevent him moving away.

If you're looking for something deep and meaningful, Orange County is not the place for you, but if you fancy a tender-hearted comedy then it's well worth a visit.