Day 163: The Art of Getting By

George believes that there exists no point in life and so thinks that completing homework is meaningless. The teachers all like George but can’t keep defending his lack of participation. He’s given an ultimatum; complete a year’s worth of assignments in 3 weeks while also attending classes and doing exams, or be expelled. His new friendship with a popular girl at school disrupts his life but perhaps not in the worst way.

A lot of homework assignments are actually meaningless, I think. I’d say that a large majority of homework is only given out to justify the education system. Giving homework for the sake of keeping everyone occupied just doesn’t seem like the best way to teach kids. I understand that it can be useful to get them practising what they’ve learned in class but so much of it is just repetitive and mind-numbing. Why not set general tasks and let the kids create something that is individual to them? Although, I suppose, that would be difficult to grade. But so what? It shouldn’t be about grades, it should be about engagement with learning.

After becoming friends with Sally, George seems to find his motivation in life. Which is nice and everything, but we saw none of what caused that change. Apparently she’s amazing and he loves her but all she does is talk to him a bit and introduce him to her friends? And then she fucks the artist guy that George was learning from. I just don’t get how this helped him. That’s a failing on the film’s part though, I think. There was no chemistry between them and it seemed almost like it wouldn’t have mattered who the girl was, all that mattered was that someone took an interest in him. Obviously it helped him and that’s great but I just don’t think that’s a good way to go about it.

6/10

Day 1: Clueless

I have seen this film many times but it still makes me laugh every time. It manages to be funny but without becoming a joke in itself or making the characters into jokes. You get the impression that while they are young and a tad on the shallow side, they are still going through important things and developing their personalities accordingly.

It is a '90s film so obviously it has to feature a makeover. While usually the makeovers always seem to be undertaken by the nasty ones, Cher and Dionne are actually nice people and don't use their popularity to bully others. Unfortunately Tai gets a little power crazy and becomes a bit of a bitch but it's temporary and she realises the error of her ways almost instantly. Also I've lost count of how many times I've seen this film but apparently this is the first time I've noticed they used coke cans as curlers. Fantastic!

I think what really makes this film better than so many other films of a similar type is that the main character is likeable even though she seems a bit clueless (ha). She clearly cares for other people and wants to see them happy despite how bad she's feeling herself. Her Dad is a big gruff lawyer type but they still have a close relationship; he takes an active interest in all aspects of her life despite being massively busy and she tries to make sure he eats right and tries to help him with an important case he's working on. She tries to help Tai feel welcome at school, albeit by dramatically overhauling her personality and appearance. Her intentions are good, which I think is important and I always like to see it.

Also, perhaps the best indication of its ability to last is the fact it is so quotable.

(I still say "way harsh" which is a direct result of watching this film)

I've fallen into a Clueless tumblr search spiral... ANYWAY. I love this film and think everyone should see it at least once in their lives.

8/10