Customer Reviews

I Love You, Beth Cooper

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

With the characteristics listed that led to its PG-13 rating you might think that I Love You, Beth Cooper would be piece of crap. But, the trailer had hooked me so I checked it our anyway. I was quite pleasantly surprised.

Denis Cooverman (Paul Rust) is the valedictorian of Buffalo Glenn High School. He is obviously a smart kid for in addition to his class standing as he has been accepted into a premed program at Stanford University and he is the captain of the debating team. On the downside he isn't very good looking, isn't an athlete, and isn't very successful with girls. He has had a long time crush on the head cheerleader, Beth Cooper (Hayden Panettiere), but has been too shy to speak to her. Besides she has a boyfriend in the army who perhaps just might be special forces material.

Denis has a very sexually confused friend, Rich (Jack Carpenter), who everyone else thinks is gay. Rich puts Denis up to telling Beth what he really thinks during his valedictory speech. This was clearly out of line. While he is on a roll he also tells what he thinks of everyone else including Beth's boyfriend who is on leave for the event, the school bully, and the schools rich [...]. Finally he suggests that his Rich embrace his presumed sexuality.

This leads to several reactions the most encouraging for Denis is that Beth speaks to him and "lets him live." Denis manages to invite her to his graduation party before being assaulted by her very angry boyfriend. Being spared serious bodily harm by the intervention of the school principal, Denis and Rich go home to their party which seems to be only the two them. Then surprisingly Beth with her two sidekicks Cammy (Lauren London) and Treece (Lauren Storm) actually show up to the party. Denis and Rich descend into complete dorkiness and probably the whole incident would have been a joke for the girls. But, then Kevin (Shawn Roberts) and his two army buddies crash the "party" resulting in the two nerds and the three hot girls spending an evening together, mostly on the run from the army guys.

While much of the action is typical of teen flicks, Beth Cooper manages to capture something very special. One begins to realize that Beth's life as one of the coolest girls in Buffalo Glenn isn't really all it's imagined. She is smart enough to realize that it over. While graduation marks the beginning of a upward tend in Denis's life, it will mark beginning of a downward slope for Beth's. This brought home in a scene in which the girls go back to the school and do their cheerleading routine for the Denis and Rich. Panettiere portrays Beth's sadness convincingly in this scene.

The teen antics are overplayed as is typical in films of this genre. In real life Beth and Kevin would be arrested for the excess depicted. They would be sued for more than they could payoff in a long time as well. But, It's all in good fun and I'd chalk it up to comedic license. The same goes for the bedroom scene envolving Rich with Cammy and Treece. Perhaps he really isn't gay after all!

Some have criticized the movie based on the implausibility Beth being temporarily interested in nerdy Denis. However, Beth isn't stupid even if she is far from the idealized dream girl Denis had long fantasized . Her relationship with Kevin was clearly deteriorating. Perhaps she saw a chance to move up to a future doctor. Cetainly her life the popular girl in high school is over and she knows it. Beth turned out to be quite a bit different than Denis has imagined but the reality had its own merits. But, she really does need to learn to drive safely if she wants to be around for the ten-year reunion!

Wow, talk about a really big coincidence. I actually went to high school with a girl named Beth Cooper, and she sort of resembles the Beth Cooper character in this film both in appearance and personality! That's just creepy, haha.

Anyway, I Love You, Beth Cooper features some of the most predictable and "been there, done that" teenage humor I've ever seen. This movie brings absolutely NOTHING new to the table in the genre of silly, pointless teen comedies. However, it's not a total loss.

I love the scene with the guy going crazy and towel smacking the school bullies to shreds in a locker room, haha. A classic moment. This scene alone elevates the rating up an additional point from a 2 out of 5, to a 3! He whips 'em up good and hysterically!

Besides that, there's a LOT of predictable humor. For instance, one evening a group of teenagers decide to go cow tipping. Yes, you know what happens. They can't actually tip the cows because something goes wrong. In this case, one kid steps in poo poo and then has to deal with the cows chasing after him and his friends- this may be considered humor for the sake of the movie, but trust me, in real life it's NO laughing matter when a bunch of cows are chasing after you. I can certainly relate to THAT freaky moment!

Anyway, another good moment of the storyline is the very beginning when, during a classmates graduation speech, he actually reveals all kinds of personal information about himself along with admitting his love for a female classmate of his by the name of... yes you guessed it, Beth Cooper. Talk about embarrassing! I can relate to this though- I remember doing similar things in 12th grade and didn't care how embarrassing it was because it was my final year.

Anyway, don't expect a groundbreaking comedy, but you'll probably find yourself laughing on a few occasions.

"I Love You Beth Cooper" is a comedy film starring "Heroes" ingenue Hayden Panettiere in the title role. The film's pitch may have sounded great on paper-- Nerdy high school senior Denis Cooverman (Paul Rust) declares his years-long crush on popular cheerleader Beth on their graduation day, invites her to a party that no one is really coming to, only to have her show up, and all sorts of wacky misadventures ensue.

Indeed, it apparently sounded good on paper since the screenplay was adapted by the novel's author Larry Doyle. That being the case, the excuse of having an unsympathetic interpreter doesn't apply here. The characters are, of course, stereotypes, but for the most part they're not particularly entertaining stereotypes: Denis, despite his temporary boldness in his valedictorian speech, comes across as relentlessly wimpy for the entire rest of the film; the same goes for his best friend Rich (Jack Carpenter), a film-quoting geek who can't help but give the IMDB-rundown on every line he clips from a film character; it's not until the end when this character finally gets some backbone..

As the title character, Panettiere's Beth Cooper is the typical vapid and so-popular-i'm-really-depressed Dream Girl that populates these kinds of movies. An aside about a deceased sibling is vaguely touching but it comes far too late to justify why Denis would pine so long for someone who quite literally didn't know he existed until that day. Ms. Panettiere is as cute as a button, but she really isn't given much to do here. Beth's best-pals are even less-developed. Beth's rageaholic (and apparently drug addict!) boyfriend Kevin (Shawn Roberts) slightly resembles a young Bill Paxton. Alan Ruck, an alumnus of the conceptually similar "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" plays Denis' wants-to-be-cool dad (champagne is made available for Denis' party), though it's surprising that no lines from "Bueller" were clipped here for comic effect.

before the end of the film, entire houses are casually destroyed, reckless drivers menace the road, and nary a police officer is called, apparently.

Chris Columbus has delivered a number of entertaining films over the years, including the first two Harry Potter films, and the tangentially similar "Adventures in Babysitting". Unfortunately, he stumbles badly here.

The story is ridiculous, and the comedic value doesn't make up for what it lacks. I found myself rolling my eyes, and bored to tears waiting for it to be over. The story never found its footing and was lost in slapstick situations. I would pass on this movie.

I was caught between three and four stars on this one because while I liked it, I can understand why other's would not like it. The premise is actually pretty good, high school geek admits in his valadictorian speech, his crush on the pretty and popular cheerleader Beth Cooper. The speech is actually one of the best parts of the movie. The humor however appears lost on anyone over a certain age (we'll say twenty to twenty five is the cutoff.)Underneath the high schoolish humor and the unbeilvably of the plot twists, there is an intresting message about living for the day and seizing the moment that archs through the entire movie, along with seeing beyond looks and perception in people.

Sometimes, I like the cliffhanger ending were the viewer is allowed to make their own conclusion about what happens to the characters, but the lack of a definitive hook up by Beth and Denis takes away from the movie I feel, because it leaves one wondering "Was this just a one night thing" or do they hook up later on. Another downside, I don't think the characters were as fleshed out as they could've been, but i'm not sure if that's a problem in the writing or acting. Hayden Panettiere seemed like she was playing the tweener cheerleader (were we supposed to dislike her at first and than grow to feel empathy for her later or were we supposed to feel sympathy for her all along ?

Still I liked this movie, despite the crazy scenerios and the basic characters that lacked depth because on some level, I could relate to it because most of us have chased the popular girl/guy. It was fairly fun and a harmless way to spend two hours, if you watch the extras. Sometimes, I feel like movies get analyzed to death. Every movie does not and shouldn't be Godfather, Citizen Cain, etc. This is an intriguing movie for the teenage to young college crowd.

Denis (Paul Rust) is the definition of a nerd. He's 100lbs soaking wet, as socially awkward as imaginable, and difficult to even watch for more than a few minutes. During his speech as a Valedictorian - of course - he nasally proclaims his love for Beth Cooper (Hayden Panettiere) and his disdain for Beth's boyfriend Kevin (Shawn Roberts), who is either a PV2 or PFC in the Army. It's hard to tell since he wears each rank, one on each arm (ridiculous movie mistake). Along with Denis's friend Rich (Jack Carpenter), who's obsessed with ensuring everyone is aware of his questionable heterosexuality, the two throw the lamest party imaginable. They invite Beth and her two friends, Treece (Lauren Storm) and Cammy (Lauren London - who is a less sexy version of Bianca Lawson), where a crazy night of drinking, being chased by Kevin, and more social awkwardness.

If you want to watch the completely unbelievable pairing of a nerd and a hot chick, I can think of three superior films. First there is The Girl Next Door, a film from which this should be charged with cinematic plagiarism (there's even the "guy naked outside of girl's sporty car"-scene). Second, there is She's Out of My League, equally unrealistic but infinitely funnier. And, of course, there is the pinnacle of this genre, Revenge of the Nerds - because nobody can be more atrociously nerdy than Robert Carradine.

The ride is somewhat entertaining, mostly because of Beth Cooper's driving, but the predictable eventually happens: Denis learns that Beth is not as great as he thought, while Beth opens up and shows the nerd the most adventurous night of his life. It is a film stuck in PG-13 purgatory, with not enough to attract either the young or old, and nothing plot-wise that isn't derivative.

Jason Elin

Hayden + Nails + Chalkboard

I've said Hayden Panettiere could rake her nails across a chalkboard for 90 minutes and it would still make a great movie. Apparently this inspired director Chris Columbus.

'I Love You Beth Cooper' isn't just a bad rip off of "wild girl falls in love with shy guy" which we've seen over and over and over and over and over and over again. ('Risky Business' 'Girl Next Door') IT IS NAILS ON A CHALKBOARD from beginning to end.

The screenplay is almost as bad as a Stephanie Myer book. Almost. I laughed three or four times total. The jokes are plain unfunny and predictable. The bullies show up for a fight. What a shock, Hayden saves the day by crashing a car into the house.

Even worse, the injuries. People being run over by cars or falling off of buildings is funny because it's unreal and ridiculous. People having real accidents and spurting blood out of their fingers, mouth, and nose, isn't funny. It's nauseating. Is this a teen comedy or is Chris Columbus remaking his 'Homes Alone' films with more blood?

Hayden's nails on a chalkboard might be entertaining but it's star Paul Rust's nails that we have to put up with for 90 minutes. Is this his real voice or is he trying to outdo Jerry Lewis' "Laaaaaddddaayyy"? Either way he far out ranks Sandra Bullock, Rosie Perez and Fran Dresser as more annoying than a car alarm. Seriously. It will be days before I can erase his screeching voice from my mind!!!

Another sign of doom is that this is a raunchy teen comedy rated PG-13. DOOM!

Whatever falling out Chris Columbus had with the studio whom kicked him off the 'Harry Potter' series he has really sunk to the lowest level of low.

Worse yet Columbus has the nerve to embroil the celestially beautiful and talented Hayden Panettiere in this cesspool of a film.

The two stars go to Hayden who deserved far better than this! All Hayden fans be warned! Just as with 'Heroes' fast forward to the Hayden scenes with your one free hand. But with 'I Love You Beth Cooper' also apply the mute button!

This is the story of a high-school nerd who has had a crush on the most popular girl in school, Beth Cooper. He decides to declare his love while giving a speech in front of the whole school, while doing this he also takes the opportunity to strike back at the bully who tormented him, as well as a few other classmates he has a score to settle with. Beth and her two hot girlfriends come over to his house and they all are pursued by Beth's psycho boyfriend who wants to kill him. As they encounter various adventures through the night he sees that Beth is not the ideal girl he thought she was, but he comes to like her for who she really is, a slightly insane girl who has a wild side and a good heart. Over all I liked this movie, while it is predictable at times it reminds me of a time in my life that I will always fondly remember, I think we all have a Beth Cooper in our lifes.

Razorback fan

I sat through this whole film just for the sake of making sure this Blu was all I was really seeing and hearing - and it blows me away that Fox made such a great product on a subpar movie like this. The Blu clarity was outstanding throughout; night sequences, colors, saturation, action, landscapes - all of it. The DTS was great; the music was mixed perfect as to still hear the simultaneous dialogues perfectly and the outer channels get used quite a bit. The supplements are extensive and include:

(HI-DEF)
* 7 minute alternate ending. It branches off from the dock scene near the end of the theatrical cut and takes a way different slant with the three muscle heads imposing on their lake location with weird results. You do not see any of the parent-in-the-yard ending.
* 7:36 minutes of deleted scenes with a play all option. Forgettable, glad they were cut.
* 5:54 minutes of Love U Larry Doyle. The inspiration behind the story and interviews with the author.
* 8:54 minute We're All Different plug. Essentially the casting reasons, how everyone liked their parts, blah, blah, blah.
* 2:48 minute Peanut Butter Toast. A home video clip of Rust singing about making toast in his kitchen - painful.
(LO-DEF)
* 3:02 minute Fox interview with Paul Rust. An ad plug for the film with an interview.
* 3:02 minute Fox interview with Hayden. Same thing.

The only thing I got out of this was all the movie trivia his sidekick kept spewing, liked it. Otherwise this whole corny story of the nerd getting the hot chick through a million unlikely events, road trips and bad acting didn't work for me. I am sure this will appeal to the teen fans of Hayden and some of the other eye candy followers (Shawn Roberts, etc.) But, I have to rate this higher overall because the Blu provides plenty of reference points for a film of this genre; both sound and pic clarity (especially those lake/mountain panorama scenes). The supplements may be contrived but they are thorough - so 2 for the film, 1.5 for the Blu and .5 for the supps. Enjoy.

I have written over 750 Amazon reviews and pride myself on my ability to dissect a film after viewing and give a concise description of why it was good/bad. In the case of "I Love You, Beth Cooper", however, I have to break from my normal pattern to get this point across: this is one of the worst movies ever made.

The ONLY (and I mean absolutely ONLY) reason to watch this movie is for the beauty of Hayden Panettiere (and a PG-13 Hayden at that). I'm completely and utterly serious...that is it. The rest of this "film" is absolute garbage. It is not funny, it is not heart-warming, it is not cute. It...is...horrible.

Not too long ago, I watched the movie "Take Me Home Tonight" (starring Topher Grace). It was terrible (1-star). That effort, however, looks like Shakespeare compared to this sorry excuse for cinema.

I'm not usually a fan of this genre, but every once in awhile am up for a little "teenage antics" flick. I'm telling you, however, to not make the same mistake that I did in devoting 100 minutes to this "thing". There's got to be something else...anything...more worth your time.

And for those looking for your "Hayden fix", go watch that "Bring It On" movie or heroes or something. This isn't worth it.