Charlie Vaughn digs into the ’80s teen movies for inspiration in First Period. With scenes reminiscent of both Pretty in Pink and Teen Witch, this drag comedy is filled with campiness and the occasional poignant moment as Cassie (Brandon Alexander III) and Maggie (Dudley Beene) fight their way to the top. Cassie Glen, totally rockin’ superstar extraordinaire (you’re welcome), is the new girl in school with the goal of getting a hunky boyfriend and becoming popular. After running afoul of the popular kids, Heather (Lauren Rose Lewis) and Other Heather (Karli Kaiser) and their boyfriends, Dirk (Michael Turchin) and Brett (Leigh Wakeford), Cassie befriends the school’s social outcast and occasional coatrack Maggie. They decide that in order to realize their goal of becoming popular, they’re going to enter—and win—the school talent show while stealing the impeccably dressed Brett and often shirtless Dirk. Filled with off-color jokes and a sense of obvious irony, this movie is both fun and funny as it delivers its message about being true to yourself. Screen Media Films (firstperiodmovie.com). —Bradley Donalson
