Jawbreaker (1999)

Similar to “Heathers” and has some highlights, but it’s not compelling enough

After a high school girl (Charlotte Ayanna) accidently dies in a prank, her three besties cover it up (Rose McGowan, Rebecca Gayheart & Julie Benz). They’re forced to allow a shy, unpopular girl into their clique because she knows the truth (Judy Greer). Pam Grier is on hand as a detective while The Donnas perform a couple songs at the prom.

“Jawbreaker” (1999) is a black comedy high school flick with similarities to “Heathers” (1988), elements of “Carrie” (1976) and influenced “Mean Girls” (2004). It’s unique enough to stand on its own and is arguably on par with “Heathers” and the overrated “Mean Girls,” but it’s not as good as “Carrie” or its excellent sequel, “The Rage: Carrie 2,” which was released the same year.

McGowan is great as the alluring biyatch while Gayheart looks too old for the part at 27 during shooting, not to mention nigh anorexic. Two years after the film’s release, Rebecca hit a Hispanic kid with her car in Los Angeles and killed him, which tripped up her career.

It’s decent, has a great soundtrack and is worthwhile if you favor the cast, but don’t expect the greatness of teen flicks like "Clueless" (1995) and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982). The movie’s stylish enough and has its highlights, yet the story’s just not that compelling and I found myself relatively bored.

The film runs 1 hour, 27 minutes and was shot in Los Angeles, Downey & Culver City, California.

GRADE: B-/C+