Loser

I wanted to see this movie because it was directed by Amy Heckerling. She is the mastermind behind Fast Times at Ridgemont High and, more recently, Clueless. This time, she decided to venture into the world of college.

Starring Jason Biggs (American Pie) and Mena Suvari (American Beauty), Loser tells the story of a fish out of water. Paul (Biggs), a mid-Western boy, gets accepted to a college in New York City. Culture shock!! Dora (Suvari) is the hip, city chick who is dating her smarmy professor (played to perfection by Greg Kinnear) and who takes a liking to Paul.

What follows is the cute, and often predictable, story of this unlikely pair. (Bonus alert!) Alan Cumming sighting - for those of you who know who this fabulous actor is - in the scene where Paul and Dora go to see Cabaret on Broadway. There is Alan in all his made-up glory as the Emcee on stage singing the opening number, Wilkommen. Be still my heart!!

Loser didn’t blow me away. When held up to Heckerling’s previous efforts it is somewhat disappointing. But I would say that it was cute. If you’re not one to get into high school or college-type comedies, wait until you can go to your corner video store before you pay to see it.

Rating:  * * *