Self-Discovery and Awkward Charm Lights up Screen

Read Time:3 Minute, 41 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Drugstore June
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Genre: Comedy, Crime, Mystery
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Nicholaus Goossen
Writer(s): Nicholaus Goossen, Esther Povitsky
Cast: Esther Povitsky, Bobby Lee, Beverly D’Angelo, James Remar, Brandon Wardell
Where To Watch: exclusively in select theaters February 23, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: DRUGSTORE JUNE takes us to a serene small town suddenly rocked by a robbery where everyone is a suspect. This event kick-starts an unforeseen adventure for wannabe influencer June (Esther Povitsky,) who is still living her best life at home with her parents, as she embarks on a quest for self-discovery and empowerment. Facing the aftermath of a broken relationship, her determination to crack the case crosses paths with a quest for personal growth, setting the stage for a narrative brimming with humor, heart, and the distinctive creative touch of director Nicholaus Goossen and co-writer Povitsky.

Goossen and Povitsky join forces to propel DRUGSTORE JUNE into the limelight, blending their signature humor and storytelling prowess into the film's DNA. Povitsky, in a standout lead role, extends her range, offering more of the signature awkward “millennial vibe” (we don’t say the M word), offering a performance that resonates with a particular charm. This marks a significant stride in her career, from her role in one of my favorite TV series, ALONE TOGETHER, to her fantastic standup sets.

At its core, DRUGSTORE JUNE creates a story and a cast of characters that melds light-hearted comedy with a unique coming-of-age story with just the right amount of chaos. June's challenges and impromptu detective role create a layered example of character growth, offering a novel twist on classic themes of growth and empowerment.

The synergy on-screen between Povitsky and the entire cast breathes life into the quaint town's story, ensuring DRUGSTORE JUNE strikes a chord with a broad audience. Their collective talent and chemistry enrich the film's blend of comedy and insight, crafting an experience as thought-provoking as entertaining. With Miranda Cosgrove, Haley Joel Osment, James Remar, Beverly D’Angelo, and even Bhad Bhabie (Danielle Bregoli), you never know who will be around the corner or roaming the isles of the drugstore.

The film's narrative, a mix of humor, mystery, and human experience, is poised to entertain and inspire. It celebrates collaborative creativity, reminding us of the stories' power to evoke laughter, thought, and emotion. It also takes one of my favorite life lessons and puts it to the test; I learned one day that if you can laugh at yourself, no one can have any power over you in any way.

While DRUGSTORE JUNE delivers ample humor and compelling storytelling, there are moments where it misses the mark on comedic potential. The film's lighter approach to humor, shy of reaching darker territories, suggests areas ripe for exploration; I had hoped that Povitsky would have gone all out with a script closer to her standup. Nonetheless, the ensemble cast, led by Povitsky's genuine portrayal of June, offers a memorable experience. This mix of humor, heart, and genuine moments of connection positions DRUGSTORE JUNE as a film that successfully blends entertainment with a touch of introspection, navigating the complexities of adulthood with a smile.

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[photo courtesy of UTOPIA ORIGINALS, SHOUT! STUDIOS, ALL THINGS COMEDY, PAPER ANVIL]

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