A parody of the 1980’s US high school genre; First Period tells the story of self-professed “superstar extraordinaire, you’re welcome” Cassie (Brandon Alexander III) and her plight to become ‘popular’ before her impending sixteenth birthday and entry into womanhood, but of course, things don’t exactly go smoothly. In true coming of age style, the journey is filled with evil popular kids, our , the awkward best friend and the realisation that her true friends aren’t all that popular, but that’s OK.
First Period adds in a touch (or in this case a great deal) of ridiculousness as it walks us through a series of ridiculous events before the final ‘Talent Show’ scene which seals Cassandra and her best friend Maggie’s (Dudley Beene) popularity. Much like its primary character, First Period is completely uninhibited and more than a little larger than life. Unintentionally this film has the feel of a series of sketches rather than a journey from A-B; but far from taking away from the its appeal it allows for the suspension of disbelief as many of the ridiculous actions in previous scenes are relatively forgotten as the story moves on. I suspect director Charlie Vaughn does this actively to allow for easy movement between scenes with psychics, to rap battles all the way to utterly ridiculous teacher student flirtation thanks to the indie legend Jack Plotnick. It allows a simple story to hold together, whilst in effect being broken up with numerous sideshows.
With the two female leads being played by men you’d expect to be treated to either stunning slapstick performances (think Robin Williams in Mrs Doubtfire) or horrific and unbearable parody ala White Chicks. Brandon Alexander III as Cassie Glen is exceptionable; his is a flawless performance that often leaves you forgetting he’s played by a man at all. Dudley Beene struggles a little more, and his character is less interesting and less appealing overall, but both were closer to Robin Williams than Marlon Wayans. They’re supported by a great cast, the evil Heathers (Lauren Rose Lewis and Karly Kaiser) play fantastic villians and their clueless boyfriends (Michael Turchin and Leigh Wakeford) are equally on point.
This isn’t going to make waves, even in the indie scene; but I’m certain First Period can carve itself a strong cult following and if you’re looking for a cheesy but hilarious film for a night in, then look no further, because Battle Royale With Cheese have found it!
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