Detention and Covering a lot of Comedic Ground: A Movie Review

Director: Joseph Kahn.

Writers: Joseph Kahn and Mark Palermo.

Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Dane Cook, Spencer Locke, Parker Bagley, Brooke Haven, Walter Perez, Aaron Perilo, Will Wallace, Jesse Heiman, Lindsey Morgan, and Marque Richardson.

Detention is only director Joseph Kahn's second film. But, already this filmmaker is showing brilliance in this comedy slash serial killer feature. Kahn's background includes the 2004 action film Torque and a series of music videos. He brings the quick cuts and visual style of music videos to this feature. He also brings many, many pop culture references to what is the funniest film this reviewer has seen so far this year.

And kudos to Kahn for creating such a complex storyline that is literally chock full of subplots. The central storyline focuses on Riley (Shanley Caswell) and her crush on Clapton Davis (Josh Hutcherson). She has to compete with Ione (Spencer Locke) for his attentions. And, only in film does the underdog win despite unbelievable odds.

Centrally, Detention is a typical teen drama, but there is so much more here. Some of plot elements include: a grizzly bear time travel machine, a knife wielding serial killer named Cinderhella, a bully who has been infected by a meteorite, and a pupil who has been in detention for 19 years. The subplots are diverse. Some of the most interesting subplots involve: stopping a bomb in the past, a "Freaky Friday" switch between mother and daughter, a competition between characters Clapton and Billy (Parker Bagley) for Ione's affections, and the looming high school prom. The plot points mentioned here are only the tip of iceberg as Detention covers a lot of ground.

Some of that territory will blow by at blinding speed as Kahn and writer Mark Palermo show their vast knowledge of pop culture. This reviewer counted at least a half dozen or dozen references to other films. There are many more. For instance, the Terminator series of films are referenced in the plot. Several characters must travel back in time to prevent the end of the world. The Minority Report is given attention as seen in the visual style of the time travelling machine. The Freaky Friday switch has already been discussed. Meanwhile, an homage to The Breakfast Club is seen early in Act 3. All of the stereotypes of high school e.g. the cheerleader, the rebel are brought together for a weekend detention. And, Detention's plot seems to give a nudge to the original Donnie Darko film. There is this back and forth use of time that keeps the film slightly uneven. Viewers will see other film references. Only a few have been mentioned here.

And Kahn's directing style is also worth mentioning. Viewers will see early how Kahn interlaces many elements, both aurally and visually, into the display. Credits are seemlessly interwoven with the action on screen. Dropped papers and books are titled with producer credits. To the audience's detriment, transitions are jerky and some scene changes seem like jump cuts. Scenes are held for short periods of time much like a music video. Yet, Kahn experiments with breaking the fourth wall early. He also introduces a film within a film within a film, which creates at least three levels of storytelling at one point. All of these scenes are displayed with vibrant colours and Kahn is a master of pacing. This film goes by at a blinding speed and this watcher did not want the experience to end.

Most good things must eventually come to an end while Detention can simply be restarted. There is a lot of material here. One viewing will only reveal one layer. And, Detention is a film that requires at least a second watching to get all of the many movie references. A second viewing would also give viewers a chance to enjoy the film's excellent soundtrack that hilariously pumps out C & C Music Factory in one scene and the House of Pain's "Jump Around" in another. There are many notable songs played throughout the film.

As well, there are some great comedic bits in this film. This reviewer laughed when one girl is brought into the principal's office for a dressing down after her naked breast has been posted on Youtube: "I am a porn star" she responds. The lines and unpredictability of this film will keep most in stitches. The acting and dialogue are two other excellent features within this film. These diverse elements create for a sometimes confusing and often enjoyable film watching experience.

Detention is part comedy, part horror feature and part teen drama. One of these genres will likely appeal to most films fans. Other elements from subplots to music will entertain still others. Kahn took plenty of risks in this film and therefore, the story is unconventional. The story is also distracted by many subplots and pop culture references, but this just creates more elements to be enjoyed. Detention is by far the funniest film that this reviewer has seen in a long time and you are encouraged to seek this title out when it becomes available July 31st on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Overall: 8.5 out of 10 (great soundtrack, silly at times, many genres, lots of action, the story develops at a breakneck pace, great dialogue and many funny bits).

*director Joseph Kahn financed this film almost exclusively by himself.

**special features on the release include(Blu-Ray):

-“Cheat Mode: The Unbelievably Mind Melting Making of Detention” Featurette
-“Fight Rehearsal” Featurette
-“Riffing with Dane” Featurette
-Three Screen Tests with Shanley Caswell, Aaron David Johnson, Yves Bright

The film's official homepage is found here:

Detention's Official Site

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Posted in: 2012,blu-ray,comedy,detention,dvd,high school,horror,joseph kahn,movie review,serial killer,spencer locke,teen,teenagers