Orange County (2002)

Film Overview
"Orange County" is an American comedy-drama released in 2002. The film was directed by Jake Kasdan and produced by Scott Rudin, Van Toffler, and David Gale. The screenplay was composed by Mike White, featuring a star cast consisting of Colin Hanks, Jack Black, and Schuyler Fisk.

Plot
The movie follows Shaun Brumder (Colin Hanks), a teenage web surfer from Orange County, California, who imagines becoming an author after one of his idols, novelist Martin Skinner, passes away. Influenced by Skinner's book, Shaun discovers his calling for composing. Shaun likes getting away from his fractured household's constant drama, which comprises his egotistical mom, Cindy (Catherine O'Hara), his problematic father, Bud (John Lithgow), his drug-addict brother Lance (Jack Black), and his ambitious girlfriend, Ashley (Schuyler Fisk).

Shaun plans on going to Stanford University, wanting to enter their distinguished creative writing program. However due to a clerical error by his school assistance therapist, Stanford misunderstands his application and declines him. Desperate, Shaun tries all possible procedures to rectify the incident, reaching trying to fulfill the Stanford Dean of Admissions himself.

Turn of Events
Together with his girlfriend, Ashley, and his free-spirited bro, Lance, Shaun starts a chaotic journey to persuade Stanford University to confess him. The trio handles to meet the Dean of Admissions, but they inadvertently get him intoxicated and lose him. Meanwhile, drastic discoveries and situational comedy decipher in the house, ultimately leading Shaun to understand the worth of his distinct and inefficient household.

Climax and Resolution
Despite his relentless efforts, Shaun fails to encourage Stanford. However, his unsuccessful journey and his family's heart-warming support make him recognize that his location remains in Orange County with his household. He accepts his life in Orange County and chooses to study at a local community college. In the final scenes, he finishes a book he began writing, which shows his love for his household and his hometown, revealing that he doesn't need to leave his roots to meet his composing dreams.

Reception of the Film
The movie amassed blended evaluations on its release, applauded primarily for its comic components and performances but criticized for its predictable and cliched narration. Despite the criticisms, "Orange County" was a moderate success at the box workplace. It demonstrated the mix of teenage goals, the significance of family, and the irrelevance of 'perfect' settings for realizing one's dreams.

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