Prepping for ‘Prom’ *** (out of 4)

MPAA rating: PG

Cast: Aimee Teegarden (Nova Prescott);Thomas McDonell (Jesse Richter); Yin Chang (Mei); Jared Kusnitz (Justin Wexler); Janelle Ortiz (Ali Gomez); Kylie Bunbury (Jordan Lundley); De’Vaughn Nixon (Tyler Barso).

Credits: Directed by Joe Nussbaum; written by Katie Wech; produced by Ted Griffin and Justin Springer A Walt Disney Pictures release. Running time: 1:43

By Vinessa Russell

Bogan High School

Disney has done it again.

The new heartwarming movie about teens in anticipation of their “Prom,” captures the drama experienced by typical high school students before the main event of their school year in a way that feels believable.

There are many storylines, starting with that of the main character, Nova (Aimee Teegarden). She imagines the prom to be the best night of every one’s final moments of high school.

But between the prom decorations being set on fire, Nova’s date bailing on her, and the future prom king and queen breaking up right before their big moment, it seems that senior year has turned out to be a catastrophe.

This movie acknowledges the daily problems that teens face — from being accepted into an out-of-state college or not being noticed by that one person you’ve been dying to talk to. And all of the teens here have their own unique problems.

But in Nova’s case, Jesse (Thomas McDonnell) could be the solution. He reassures Nova and gives her hope that prom can still be the best night of her life.

Teens everywhere can easily relate to the young cast, whose characters show them that they can overcome life’s setbacks. And we enjoy the ride, watching them tackle their various problems in this warm, satisfying, movie.

The movie is effective in that it helps teens find the meaning of such a little dance and focuses them on the big picture of how you should never give up on what you believe in.

Over the intersecting stories of the 16 teens in this movie, you can almost feel each one’s pressure to be perfect through the challenges of senior year, culminating with prom. You will laugh, cry, and empathize with them throughout the entire film.

You won’t be tested on this, but if you’re a high school senior, bring a pad and pen. You might wanna take some notes.