A film regarded as a “coming of age” story can be perceived in a couple of ways. Some people may want to pass on viewing it because it may be formulaic and predictable. I try not to set expectations and am open to seeing what the filmmakers offer. How creative is it when it comes to telling us about this part of our lives as we are growing up? We all have our stories after all. Almost Popular is listed as a comedy on IMDb, but in reading articles on the web, they are addressing this as a “coming or age” story.
In the film directed by Nayip Anthony Garcia (“Girl Talk” TV series, “Apartment 157” TV series) based on the screenplay by Pamela Duffy-Little (“Girl Talk” TV series) and Eleni Rivera (short films: Love in Seasons, The Gazer), the script appears to be the first feature film by the two writers. They have written a script that I found entertaining because some of the cast worked well with the dialogue of the comedy. Not all the comedy is impressive, but that does not mean other viewers may find it to be funny (especially if they are a different age). There are some predictable parts, and it may be because some of what happens in high school is universal – especially in the public school system. Yes, there are similarities between this and other “coming of age” films from the past, but the filmmakers and cast do their best to present a story that appeals to fans of teen comedy. It is a good first feature.
To their credit, the screenwriters have diversity of characters in this school, not just race and ethnicity, but also characters who are LGBTQ+ – and even the mothers of the teens act as a parent, or are still trying to live her high school life even now through their daughter.
Synopsis: Susie and Bobbie, high school juniors, go on a quest to fulfill their dream to become part of the elite POP Girls who rule the school. After a series of unfortunate and humiliating attempts, they learn what’s important.
Cast: Ruby Rose Turner (Fuller House), Elijah M. Cooper (Goosebumps), Reid Miller (Joe Bell), Isabella Ferreira (Crush, “Love Victor” TV series, “Orange is the New Black” TV series), Arden Myrin (Insatiable), Kathleen Rose Perkins (Abducted)
Running Time: 95 minutes. Almost Popular in limited theaters August 29, 2025.
Source: Patriot Pictures
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