ORANGE COUNTY (2002)

Let me preface this by saying that the ending of this film infuriated me more than any other part of the movie. Sean Brumder (Colin Hanks) doing his best to get the fuck out of Orange County and into Stanford despite everyone in his life trying to hold him down like crabs in a bucket is great, actually. It makes for good conflict, a fun movie. But for him to realize, after all of his attempts, that “he doesn’t need to get out of Orange County to become the person he wants to be”? Kill me now. I sound rather aggressive but let me tell you something. You always need to get the fuck out of Orange County as soon as possible. If you grew up there, leave and do not return. If you’re thinking of moving there, think again. Orange County is where you realize that your dreams are fantasies, not potential realities. Orange County will suck your will to live faster than going to the DMV with no appointment. And besides. His dad just donated a new admissions building. Everything about the decision was frustrating. Babygirl, you have the rest of your miserable life after Stanford to go back and be suicidally depressed in Orange County. Go to college first.

Lily Tomlin’s “realization” scene was a masterclass in facial acting. It is incredible work. Every side character feels rich and fun on their own, each adding a distinctive flavor to the film - even Bob. I appreciated the time the script took to let us learn who Bob is, as opposed to other movies who feel the need to explicitly spell out relationships through clunky dialogue immediately. The film felt like a more grounded version of other popular “despite all odds, we’ve got to get to X” movies like Road Trip or Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle. Perhaps it was because the cause seemed more noble or maybe because the source of the comedy was coming from a more depressing place. 

The movie struck a chord with me and frustrated me at the same time. It felt like a damn shame that what Sean wanted was to go to Stanford but what he needed seemed to only be validation. I think the film could have benefitted from him having his moment and realizing he needed the validation and accepting where he comes from, but for someone to smack him upside the head and send him to Stanford. Look, if he went through all this trouble just to try and get into a Cal Poly, sure. Stay home, what do I care? But he’s going to become Lance (Jack Black) within 3 years. Orange County will grind you down like that.

Food Recommendation: Peter’s Gourmade Burgers, in Tustin, CA. For as much as I hate Orange County, some talented people can thrive there. Peter’s is a great spot with delicious burgers, as well as multiple signs imploring you to not have a bad attitude or fight people. What could be better?