‘The Half of It’ has engaging characters and a different spin on a familiar story

Posted on May 8, 2020

By MARK VIOLA

There are certain plots that seem to get recycled over and over again, whether for books or movies or television. The names and faces might change, but the basic thread tying everything together is the same.

No matter how tried and true a particular story can be, the familiarity can actually become a benefit when a writer manages to find a new spin on it or a way to subvert the usual expectations.

For example, let me set up a common trope for you and see if you can figure out what’s going to happen. A the shy, unpopular girl is asked by a popular jock to help him woo the girl he likes. I’m sure you’ve seen a movie or read a book with a similar story. Enough time yet? Of course the girl will fall for the guy who will eventually realize what he has in front of him, and they’ll live happily ever after, or at least until the credits roll.

But, remember how I said you can have fun by tweaking a few aspects and creating something new, fun and interesting?

Well, that’s exactly what we get with the new Netflix film “The Half of It,” written and directed by Alice Wu (“Saving Face”).  The movie is one part romantic comedy and one part coming-of-age tale, and it manages to get the best out of both of those genres.

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