The Perfect Score

The Perfect Score directed by Brian Robbins, 2004, PG-13, Actors: Chris Evans, Bryan Greenberg, Scarlett Johansson, and Erika Christensen, 93 minutes. ISBN: 9780792190653.


Plot Summary
The film revolves around a bunch of high school students that need to do well on the S.A.T.  Kyle (Chris Evans) needs a high score so he can get into Cornell University's architecture program and not end up like his brother whom lives in his parents' garage.  Kyle's best friend, Matty also wants a good score so he can get into the same college as his girlfriend.  They believe their futures depend on getting great scores on the S.A.T.  They learn that Francesca Curtis' (Scarlett Johansson) father owns the building that houses the S.A.T. tests.  They decide they want to steal the answers to the test.  Eventually three other students become involved in the plans.  While breaking into the building they dodge the security cameras and find out the test answers are on a computer.  They eventually get the test scores by all coming together and taking the test and writing the answers down.  They realize that they do not need to cheat when the test day arrives.  In the end they get the scores they need and they learn what they really want in live.
Critical Evaluation
This movie is about high school students that are being pushed to do something with their lives by someone other than themselves.  Throughout the course of the movie the teens learn a lot about themselves and what they really want out of life.  Despite the fact that the movie is about stealing the answers to the S.A.T., what teens can take away from this movie are the lessons about finding who you really are before making huge decisions.  Sometimes you have to make mistakes before you can learn the real lesson. 
Information about the Director
According to Internet Movie Database Brian Robbins was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1963.  He has directed over 20 different titles including movies such as the Shaggy Dog and Coach Carter.  Included in the 20 titles is television series, such as Smallville, What I Like About You, and One Tree Hill.  He has also done some acting, writing, and producing.  Co-owns a production company and co-produces projects with Michael Tollin.
Genre
Teen Movie
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Challenge Issues
Teenagers defying authority and breaking into a building to steal test answers. If this movie was challenged I would go to, ALA's Strategies and Tips for Dealing with Challenges to Library Materials.
Why Included
Most teens take the SAT or ACT for college applications.  I'm sure many high school students have wondered what it would be like to steal the answers to the SAT, this movie is one way to find out.  It also stars the popular Scarlett Johansson.