Director: Nourizadeh
Cast: Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper, Jonathan Daniel Brown, Nichole Bloom, Alexis Knapp.
Rating: (R18)
Three stars (out of five)
Reviewed by Mark Orton.
Courting a level of secrecy normally reserved for the likes of Mossad, the publicity department is either highly suspicious of the ability of the target audience to pirate the film, or have realised it is a savvy way to generate a bit of pre-launch momentum
The thing is, there is nothing remotely original or revelatory in the script. Shot Cloverfield-style by a mystery cameraman, the story follows three awkward Pasadena teenagers as they plan a birthday party to raise their credibility.
From an ominous beginning when news of the party is spread via text message, all the elements are in place for Thomas' exquisitely kept family home to be trashed, and get trashed it does.
Project X interestingly shuffles most of the visceral naughtiness off-screen, which somewhat defeats the ruse of documenting the whole event on handycam.
That said, Project X still cements its place as one of the craziest teen-party films made.
Cunningly choreographed by director Nourizadeh, who cut her teeth on music videos, slickly constructed debauchery is both entertaining and puerile.
Designed to appeal to the Castle St couch-burning set, the party looks like a lot of fun and the best thing is, you don't have to clean up afterwards.
Best thing: Loudly laughing at all its cheesy crudeness.
Worst thing: Realising the film contains 88 minutes of "The best party ever" and you are stuck in a cinema with popcorn.
See it with: Your flatmates.
