The Prankster

Director Tony Vidal puts an enjoyable spin on an initially unpromising premise in The Prankster, which centers on a secret society of high school students who trip up preps, jocks, and teachers. Led by Chris (Matt Angel), the all-boy crew of mischief-makers also includes Owl (Preston Davis) and Larry (Danny Max). Eventually, the gang welcomes in Owl's cousin Sage (Maiara Walsh), after they realize she can help them pull off even more stunts. In between thinking up new pranks—an early scene shows the dean of the school (Kurt Fuller) at an assembly, where his microphone has been tweaked to make his voice sound like Donald Duck's—Chris manages to get good grades and, with graduation looming, begins to think about alternatives to working at the burger joint owned by his eccentric uncle (Georges Corraface), who offers his nephew numerous bits of homespun wisdom to guide the young man's journey of self-discovery. And, of course, there's romance to contend with, as cheerleader Mariah (Veronica Sixtos) takes a liking to Chris. An amiable John Hughes–style comedy, this is recommended. (K. Fennessy)