Giving this an extra nudge...as I am hoping Netflix would continue to push the quality of storytelling (and understand that sometimes...it does pay to have a project to stay a bit longer in development ---- Pixar thrives on this strategy...don’t they?)
-
-
-
-
(Hopefully by this point you’ve finished all 92 minutes of ‘Candy Jar’ , the kind of person who isn’t bothered by spoilers, or are just deciding if you still want to keep watching.)
-
-
-
-
-
As I was looking for highlights to share in this post...I was reminded how tight the story structure is...and...it does well from the very first scene. I instantly understand what’s happening: Bennett & Lona are protagonists and antagonists of each other (in terms of their strong personalities)...and they have no choice but to do this.
Maybe the whole bookend of the two leads was too much for the critics....though...why would they not even bother to write a review? Come on Netflix!? What did you do with your little gem!? Why’d you let it get buried?
As my Reddit thread has reflected: Of course it’s not fair to compare it to ‘Up In The Air’ or ‘Captain Fantastic’...yet...I hope other viewers would see the promise...that this film represents. That sometime in the future (maybe 5 years?) the studio might start churning one hit after another...and become the live action equivalent of Pixar.
--------
HIGHLIGHTS:
The rapid-fire debate cramming as many points as possible.
--------
INT. HEMLOCK (PRINCIPAL NELSON'S OFFICE) - DAY
LONA & BENNETT sit before PRINCIPAL NELSON. BENNETT sits calmly, confidently knowing that this would turn in his favour soon.
PRINCIPAL NELSON
Isn't your president usually decided by a vote?
LONA
Yes, but since we have an even number of members, we cannot have a vote.
PRINCIPAL NELSON
Well, how many members do you have?
LONA
Two
BENNETT
Uh, she and I.
He motions to LONA for emphasis.
LONA
Her and I.
She gives him a side glance.
BENNETT
Her and myself.
LONA
Him and me, myself and I. We, two!
PRINCIPAL NELSON holds up a hand. The blood pressure slowly creeping up.
PRINCIPAL NELSON
I got it.
BENNETT
He gets it.
LONA
Therefore, seniority should take precedent.
BENNETT
I'm a month older than she is.
She turns to BENNETT.
LONA
No, seniority, not age!
(to PRINCIPAL NELSON)
I've participated and placed in more total events than he has, including the state tournament.
BENNETT is still cool as a cucumber. Looks like he's learned a lot from their years of sparring.
BENNETT
I've also raised more money than she has for our program, and for our school and for that lovely building---
PRINCIPAL NELSON starts to zone out. He tosses his pen on his desk and glances out the window. Oh...that holiday...
LONA
You don't get to buy your way to the top with your mother's Rolodex.
PRINCIPAL NELSON
Isn't this ultimately Mr. Johnson's responsibility?
LONA
Absolutely. But he said that if he made the decision, it would cause tension in our club.
BENNETT's patience starts to wear thin.
BENNETT
Principal Nelson, this is our---
PRINCIPAL NELSON
Co-Presidents!
BENNETT
Co-What!?
PRINCIPAL NELSON
(delighted)
Co-Presidents!
He leans forward.
PRINCIPAL NELSON
Therefore, unlike years past, the two of you will finally learn how to work together.
LONA
No! Co-Presidents goes against the purpose of even having a president.
PRINCIPAL NELSON
Fine. No president.
BENNETT reacts like PRINCIPAL NELSON asks him to hurt a bystander.
BENNETT
No president?
PRINCIPAL NELSON
No president, co-president. I don't give a damn.
His eyes dance as he enjoys his eureka moment.
PRINCIPAL NELSON
A year from now, I'm gonna be in the south of France. Sipping something strong, sweet and expensive. Capiche?
LONA
No capiche!
PRINCIPAL NELSON
Lona, I don't have the energy, I don't have the time. Frankly, I've already forgotten what club you're here---
LONA & BENNETT
Debate!
PRINCIPAL NELSON
Go. Out. Scram.
He waves his arms towards the door.
PRINCIPAL NELSON
Shoo.
LONA scoffs and shares her head.
PRINCIPAL NELSON
Go talk to Kathy.
He takes a piece of paper that contains the next item on his agenda. Sees them still sitting there and repeats the message in one swift move.
--------
My verdict of the film: 7/10 (Well made and family friendly? What’s there not to like!?)
