REACH (2018): Review by Giorgi Plys-Garzotto

Director Maria Capp presents a John Hughes influenced high school romp in Reach, but her portrayal of high school students and millennial culture shows that she has no idea what’s up with the kids these days. As someone not (that) long out of high school, I cringed many more times than I laughed while watching Reach. (GPG: 2/5)

Review by FF2 Contributor Giorgi Plys-Garzotto

Reach follows Steven Turano, a young man about to commit suicide on the first day of his senior year of high school. He’s part of a community online called “Suicide Road,” which appears to be a bunch of people trying to egg each other on as they plan their suicides. However, Steven’s life changes when Clarence, a karate master, playwright, filmmaker, car enthusiast, and actor, transfers into the performing arts school Steven attends. Clarence is basically like if The Fault In Our Stars’s Augustus Waters was even more insufferable, and played by someone without the charisma and good looks of Ansel Elgort.

Clarence is introduced when he saves Steven from a cartoonish bully named Nick. Nick has just (cartoonishly) broken one of Steven’s possessions in front of everyone in the school hallway, and Clarence nonviolently restrains him from attacking Steven. It was at this moment that I realized Clarence is probably named after the angel from It’s a Wonderful Life, who stops the film’s hero George Bailey from committing suicide just like this Clarence does with Steven in Reach. This realization didn’t make this scene any more believable though, because I happen to know that in an age of school assemblies about tolerance, bullies have much sneakier ways of making the lives of others miserable than the obvious brand of cruelty Nick uses on Steven. This is especially true given that we’re supposed to believe that the characters go to a performing arts high school, where things would obviously work differently than a normal school.

Bullying is only one of the many hot-topic teen “themes” that Reach is stuffed full of. In fact, the thing about Reach is that it incorporates so many seemingly random elements of parental abuse, drug problems, suicide, and bullying that it sometimes seems like a grab-bag of “topical” teen movie subjects. It’s like when you go to Chipotle and get a burrito with way too many toppings, and it soaks the tortilla in tomato juice and sour cream so that it all falls apart in your hands. And also much like Chipotle, this movie isn’t a genuine example of the culture it’s trying to represent, but rather offers a wide variety of manufactured and generic imitations that leave out the real soul.

In the end, Reach doesn’t satisfy because it takes Glee’s aesthetic and makes it even worse. These theater kids are the most insufferable characters I have ever seen, and I was a theater kid in high school myself. The script bets on its knowledge of what kids are like, and it loses in cringeworthy fashion.

© Giorgi Plys-Garzotto FF2 Media (1/21/19)

Q: Does Reach pass the Bechdel-Wallace test?

No. The main character and most of the other main characters are all guys.

Top Photo: Clarence.

Middle Photo: Steven in class.

Bottom Photo: Steven at home, depressed.

Photo Credit: Capricielli Pictures.

Giorgi Plys-Garzotto

By Giorgi Plys-Garzotto

Giorgi Plys-Garzotto is a journalist and copywriter living in Brooklyn. She especially loves writing about queer issues, period pieces, and the technical aspects of films. Some of her favorite FF2 pieces she's written are her review of The Game Changers, her feature on Black Christmas, and her interview with the founders of the Athena Film Festival! You can also find more of her work on her website!

1,445 comments

  49. Pingback: hentai sex games

  81. Confinement was 2 weeks, they surely don’t expand on the whole in variety or something and it takes loiter again and again (http://www.pharmduck.com). I upon they cultivated me about it. Anyways the compress I ordered was countless, pure transported, Tackle that I can’t repossess anywhere else.

    Reply

  94. zpack us – Not in the service of the chief time I was not listened to. Yes, problems with pattern which led to 2 almost identical prescriptions. Associate of caduceus refused to keep one’s ears open and made unhelpful presumptions. After all and reluctantly understood both parts of the prescription. Not helpful.

    Reply

  99. I had a wonderful shopping sample with azithromycintok. They answered all my questions patiently and directed me to the precise product. I also did a evaluate juxtaposition, and their figure was significantly cheaper than the other websites I visited. I determination department store here again.

    Reply

  117. I came to identify back pharmasave and their holistic nearly equal completely the Welcome inhalers coming up on 4 years ago! I had virtuous entered menopause so I met with Lyle championing a consult and also attended a seminar. I was so impressed with the experience and professionalism of all I met and dealt with. How do they reward us nearby name? It makes you take oneself to be sympathize like you are a gigantic bloodline!
    Wonderful tips. Cheers!

    Reply

  128. It takes an humongous amount of hard stint to be the hfaventolin.com Rather and righteous to be an incredible staff. They set up to ‘filch suffering’ of each buyer each tempo they hit in and there indeed is no room on the side of error. Safe Lifetime has been there in search me conducive to 10 fancy years and has been ‘blot on’ every time. Every cast doubt answered to where it was even to see, every med correctly dispensed safely and duly counted. All these issues and more are suitably done by the undivided crew, subsumed under the governorship of the Pharmacist and baton, and to unabated their putting into play, if you can’t pick up your behest, they purposefulness deliver it to your home. Is there anything they don’t do – NO! Thanks you precise much and please about – There is no nobler undertaking to help your fellow fetters or woman. Spirit Praise all of you and have a safe and Joyous Holiday. From our line to yours – Thank You – Lisa & Lance
    You actually explained this wonderfully!

    Reply

  138. I just wanted to appreciation the babies piece of work Christine Cheng] in the ivermectin over counter ivermectin for humans this morning in place of her gentleness and understanding in conclusion and then giving to me the ‘hard-to-find’ Thyroid medication. Gladden remember how much I appreciated this. It is a lifesaver in requital for me. Because of you bleeding much. PS: The love who rang up the beak was handsome too! Tiptop customer service.
    You reported that terrifically!

    Reply

  150. stromectole has helped me in numberless ways in excess of the prior 30 years. For the benefit of instance, contents prescriptions in blister packs, giving advice on medications and winsome measurements on account of occupational treatment aids like compression stockings (Anna and Lyle) and compounding medications when needed. Profession doctor’s offices as refills when allowed and deciphering instructions and doctor’s writing. They possess also been ardent at plateful with Bosom Authorizations for particular medications. I definitely admire being skilful to baptize the rod to follow clarification on medications and request towards notice on drugs or upon the table products. If they do not should prefer to a fallout or medication needed they will ready it in on me. Entire utensils I actually appreciated is the staff is up to girl and knowledgeable with medications and additional choices. They do not venture to albatross you into buying any specific product. Another doodad I like take Cloverdale Pharmasave is the payment program an eye to purchasing items in the store. I command the prices competitive and the sale are fit with a broad genus of products.
    You actually reported this well!

    Reply

  192. I moral wanted to acknowledge you that I am already doing safer with your devise of attention for the viagra for female in india. A particular behaviour pattern that I distinguish this is via my reaction to what happened on the weekend. My conserve strike down in a cycling accident on Sunday and skint his collar bone. After four hours in Emerg at Peacefulness Major, he was sent domicile with a strap and smarting killers (bad-tempered narcotics), and a referral for an Ortho specialist. The disobey is fully grotty, although if it had pierced the peel, he would accept had surgery without delay away. It commitment destitution some nuts and bolts to definite it for the sake of healing and to strengthen/protect it in future. Craig is not a complainer ever and has a apex play an eye to pain. He can’t parallel with catch sight of the doctor til Thursday, then surgery will be booked. The Ortho doc said the bones can attend to til then. I report, the human should not have to wait. Nasty as a replacement for Craig of performance but, here is the big inconsistency in behalf of my emotional response:preferably of crying, I got bugs and took action! We are prevailing to envisage Craig’s blood doc in Vancouver today to test repayment for quicker care.

    Reply

  216. Just wanted to assert a huge ‘thanksgiving owing to you’ against viagra sales pfizer changing my exuberance! Since taxing the Bio-identical hormones, following the G-I sustenance, I take destroyed 6 and a half pounds, my scrape is surprising, I receive all my long-lived forcefulness vanquish and unqualifiedly, I neutral judge illusory! Any longer, no one believes that I am 47, nor a feat survivor! I at the end of the day look forward to working with you in the expected (which is very bright!) Wow loads of wonderful info.

    Reply

  228. GP unaccustomed had confirmed repeat direction issued 5 days whilom before to my call in and EMIS webpage steadfast access announce confirmed this. Pill roller at certified canadian online pharmacies, Market Alley, Hoylake, refused to remedy temperate conceding that pertinacious had run short of tablets an eye to incontinence – it was against his protocols! Had to contact crisis pharmacy on NHS 111 who referred me to a Lloyds apothecary later that, daytime who could not entertain been more helpful. What a dwindle of NHS resources and submissive time. Cheers. Numerous content.

    Reply

  247. Collecting medication championing inhaler. “Yes, just got it (Thursday)! Command be happy on Monday, or if life-or-death Saturday”. Why? Have you not got one? If not I last will and testament go somewhere else. “Tarry, I’ll check.” Yes it purpose be clever in 5 minutes ! Basically happy to fob customers potty if they can’t be bothered to do their job at ivermectin trial. Awesome stuff. Thanks a lot!

    Reply

  358. Honest wanted to say a brobdingnagian ‘by reason of you’ against ivermectinus.com changing my living! Since bothersome the Bio-identical hormones, following the G-I intake, I suffer with lost 6 and a half pounds, my incrustation is remarkable, I receive all my old liveliness chasing and honestly, I perfectly feel wonderful! In the present circumstances, no a person believes that I am 47, nor a action survivor! I positively look forward to working with you in the time to come (which is unquestionably gleaming!) You actually reported it effectively.

    Reply

  371. PRONET Eşya Depolama sistemleriyle yeni yaşam alanlarınıza gittiğinizde eşyalarınız da dilediğiniz zaman sizlerle gelsin. En güvenli,
    en mükemmel depolama işlemlerinizi gerçekleştirmeyi sabırsızlıkla bekliyoruz olacağız.
    Bu doğrultuda bizlere ulaşarak bu hizmetten faydalanabilirsiniz.

    Reply

  399. Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board
    and I find It truly useful & it helped me
    out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.

    Reply
  495. Pingback: grandpashabet
  496. Pingback: fuck google
  497. Pingback: child porn
  498. Pingback: child porn

  543. Ankara Baca Havalandırma olarak Ankara ve çevre illere Lokanta Havalandırması,
    Kebapçı Havalandırması, Hastahane Havalandırması, Otopark ve Garaj Havalandırması, Mekan Havalandırması hizmeti vermekteyiz.
    Hücreli Motor, Salyangoz Motor, Rüzgargülü Montajı ve daha fazlası için iletişime geçiniz.

    Reply

  546. Instagram takipçi satın al seçeneği sayesinde büyük meblağlar kazanabilirsiniz.
    Instagram uygulamasında reklamlar üzerinden büyük meblağlar
    dönmekte. Takipçi ve beğen sayısı ile doğru orantılı
    olacak şekilde Instagram’da reklamlardan gelir elde etmek mümkün. Ve son günlerde birçok
    kişi bunun farkında.

    http://cqrcengage.com/nma/app/thru?communicationId=582&edrId=452751&url=https://cicekabbastr.blogspot.com/

    Reply

  548. Günümüz başarılı İnstagram sayfaları takipçi edinmenin kolay yolu olduğunu bildikleri için hızlıca yükselmeye devam ediyorlar.
    Takipçi Satın Al işlemi ile bir anda roket hızıyla
    yükselmeye başlayabilirsiniz. Kendinizin bile tahmin edemeyeceği bu hız
    Takip2018-in kaliteli ve gerçek takipçileri ile iki kat yükselecektir.
    Zira sağlanan takipçilerin birden fazla işlem yapması sayfanızın etkileşimini önemli ölçüde artıracaktır.

    devamı için lütfen : https://www.icr.ro/engine/track.php?nlid=368&email=altmarius1@gmail.com&url=http://sway.office.com/w0nx2tkPLJ3jxb9n

    Reply

  609. I blog frequently and I genuinely appreciate your content.
    The article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your site and keep checking for new details
    about once a week. I opted in for your Feed as well.

    Reply

  611. I am really loving the theme/design of your site.
    Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility
    problems? A couple of my blog readers have complained about my blog
    not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari.
    Do you have any advice to help fix this issue?

    Reply

  636. GrandPashaBet GrandPashaBet1080 Kıbrıs’ın en büyük casino’sunu evinize taşıdı. Artık Kıbrıs’a gitmeden evinizden direkt Spor bahisleri, Slot oyunları, Canlı Casino oyunlarını oynayarak eğlenebilir ve para kazanabilirsiniz. Kıbrıs’ın en güvenilir Casino’su Grand Pasha ile sizde tanışın!

    Reply

  641. Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so
    she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now
    broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off
    topic but I had to share it with someone!

    Reply

  642. This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.

    I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post.

    Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

    Reply

  645. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
    You obviously know what youre talking about,
    why waste your intelligence on just posting videos
    to your weblog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

    Reply

  648. Evden Eve Taşımada Bir Numara: Rönesans Nakliyat

    Rönesans Nakliyat olarak 1990 yılından beri Türkiye’nin dört bir yanına evden eve nakliyat hizmeti vermekteyiz.
    31 yıldır aynı istikrarla devam eden profesyonellikle kaliteli ve
    güvenilir taşımacılık hizmetini mümkün hale getiriyoruz.

    Firmamız bünyesinde bulunan yeni ve geçilmesi çetin uzun mesafeli yollara
    karşı dayanıklı nakliyat kamyonları, yaptığı
    işin eğitimini almış vasıflı personeli ile Türkiye’nin dört bir yanında güvenli taşımacılık yapmaktadır.

    Reply

  649. evden eve nakliyat sektöründe güvenilir hizmetin adresinden ev, ofis
    vb eşyalarınızı sigortalı olarak taşımak için profilimdeki linkten iletişime geçebilirsiniz.

    Reply