Prom Dates looks into the exciting and often unpredictable experiences of high school students as they go through the pressures and thrills of prom night. The film delves into the dynamics of relationships, friendships, and self-discovery, all leading up to the big event.
As the characters prepare for the night of their lives, they face challenges that will shape their futures and reveal deeper truths about themselves. The concept of two teenagers striving to secure prom dates may not sound like the most unique idea, yet there’s hope that Kevin Hart’s influence could bring a refreshing touch to it.
With 24 hours to go, can they find their perfect prom date (Photo: Prom Dates/American High, Hartbeat Productions, and LD Entertainment)Prom Dates, which was released directly on streaming platforms, surprisingly turns out to be decent.
A Throwaway Movie Experience
In all honesty, I’d say “not bad at all” is a genuine compliment for this film. While teen movies like this aren’t typically my go-to, I found myself drawn to the performances of the two lead characters.
Jess (played by Ginny & Georgia’s Antonia Gentry) and Hannah (Julia Lester) made a pact at the age of 13 to have the “perfect prom.” Fast forward to the day of the event, and both face breakups with their dates, leaving them with just 24 hours to find new ones.
Despite the limitations of the script, Gentry and Lester surprisingly display strong chemistry. They make their characters’ friendship feel authentic as they go through various awkward situations, trying their best to make prom night a success.
Prom Dates captures the pressures and ideals of teenage life, but it does so at a surface level, something that feels intentional by director Kim O. Nguyen. The film doesn’t dwell on the struggles of youth but rather embraces the fun side of it, which is why the dynamic between the two leads works so well.
Hannah, for example, is a closeted lesbian, but the film treats her coming-out story with humor rather than making it the focal point of a serious drama. Sometimes, it’s okay to just enjoy a movie without taking everything too seriously, and this film demonstrates that perfectly.
However, when viewed more critically, Prom Dates doesn’t offer a lasting impact, nor is it a film that you’d be inclined to watch again. It serves as a one-time viewing experience that offers a few laughs here and there.
While I’m not certain how involved Kevin Hart was in the production, some of the jokes did have his signature style, though that could just be coincidental. This film is part of the growing trend of content made for streaming services—nothing extraordinary, just something to fill the gap on an average day.
Adrian Horton from The Guardian had a similar but more critical take, stating in her review: “Straining for prom, straining for laughs, straining to make something edgy or progressive. Straining the notions of comedy, and certainly one’s precious time.”
If I were in a bad mood, I might have shared a similar opinion. That said, I can easily imagine a teenager enjoying the film. However, this is not a movie that would appeal to critics or a more serious audience.
Ending Explained: It’s All About Friendship
Throughout the movie, Hannah and Jess become so fixated on securing prom dates that they lose sight of their true bond. The film’s conclusion highlights the importance of their friendship, offering a charming and uplifting message despite the film’s shortcomings.
The search for a prom date reveals more than they expect (Photo: Prom Dates/American High, Hartbeat Productions, and LD Entertainment)Jess was eager to be crowned Prom Queen, even if it meant compromising her values for the sake of being with a man who didn’t truly respect her. By the time prom night arrives, Jess realizes that losing her friendship with Hannah just to be Prom Queen with Luca isn’t worth it.
Meanwhile, Hannah comes to understand the importance of embracing her sexuality and recognizes that pretending to be in a relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Greg, was a mistake. At the prom, Hannah publicly comes out as a lesbian to her classmates on stage, while also showing appreciation for Greg.
This moment leads to her forming a genuine connection with Angie (whom she had a fling with the night before). Despite Jess admitting her feelings for Hannah’s brother, Jacob, she decides to focus on herself instead of pursuing a relationship.
In the end, the two girls dance together, fulfilling the pact they made at the age of 13—to have the perfect prom. They come to realize that the true meaning of a perfect prom is having each other’s friendship. This serves as a valuable lesson for today’s youth, emphasizing the importance of strong, lasting friendships.
