DVD Review: First Period

First Period is an odd comedy about two girls (played by boys) who strive to gain popularity before one of them turns sixteen. It opens with Cassie Glenn (Brandon Alexander III, who also wrote the screenplay) telling us in voice over that her sweet sixteen party is going to be this weekend. “This is the point where I go from being a cute, fashion-savvy girl to a sensual, sexual fashion-forward woman.” We learn that she just moved to town and doesn’t know anyone, but has an upbeat, optimistic outlook. She thinks of herself as a “totally rockin’ superstar extraordinaire.” (Though of course, anyone uses the term “fashion-forward” ought to be shot out of a cannon.) Right away we know this film is a nod to 1980s comedies, but with a twist. Though played by men, the two main characters are female, much the same way that Divine played female characters, not drag characters, in John Waters’ films.

Immediately in the first bit of dialogue between Cassie and her mother (played by Cassandra Peterson, by the way), a tone is established which doesn’t bother getting anywhere near realistic. So we know this is going to be fun, silly, and a bit over-the-top at times. Some of this dialogue is wonderful, as when Ms. Glenn says: “That’s my curious Cassie. Always asking questions. Like, Why don’t I look anything like you? How come I don’t have a father? Why do I look like the girl on the milk carton? Oh, that reminds me, I need milk.” I like these little hints that Ms. Glenn stole Cassie from the hospital (“I’ve never regretted not taking you back”), and it’s all right that this is never really explored.

At school, Cassie goes straight to the popular kids – Dirk, Brett, Heather and Heather (that being a reference to one of the worst 1980s films, Heathers – seriously, try watching it, it’s awful). They dismiss her, but she doesn’t realize it. She then meets and befriends Maggie Miller (Dudley Beene), an awkward, shy girl who becomes her best friend. The two want to become popular before the weekend, and plan on winning a talent show. I love Dudley’s delivery whenever Maggie talks about killing the popular kids. The look on Maggie’s face is perfect.

One of my favorite scenes is the one where Cassie sees her guidance counselor, Ms. Wood (Tara Karsian). Ms. Wood tells her, “You can feel free to talk to me about anything,” and Cassie opens up to her, asking, “When you’re on your period, do you like to aggressively eat Buffalo wings and pretend that they’re people?” Lines like that had me laughing out loud. Cassie also asks her, “Do you think I would do well in prison?” The question is funny, but the serious delivery is what really sells it. And Ms. Wood is fantastic as a counterpoint to Cassie’s demented view of the world.

What’s interesting is that the counselor comes across as a believable, real person, which is what is needed to offset Cassie’s world. But almost all of the other adults in the film are nutty, particularly the teachers like Mr. Klein (Jack Plotnick) and Ms. Mallow (Diane Salinger). Some of it doesn’t quite work, like Mr. Klein having never heard of tampons, which just comes across as stupid. Though I do like his line, “We’re going to learn about the female human anatomy, what’s biologically wrong with it, and one day hope to find a cure.” And the 1950s film strip on womanhood that he shows is hilarious.

When this film is good, it’s very good. There are lots of great lines like, “My mother always says, when a woman’s alone, a man’s probably watching somewhere from a tree, so, you know, look your best.” But some of the jokes fall flat, and some of the film feels like it could be trimmed, such as the fight sequence. But there is a heart at its core. Cassie says at one point, “It’s hard having to constantly remind yourself that you’re special when no one else seems to think so.”

The film takes place in 1989, and there are plenty of 1980s references throughout, including references to Pac-Man and to films like Sixteen Candles, Pretty In Pink, Teen Witch, Die Hard, and Jumpin’ Jack Flash. There is a specific reference to The Breakfast Club, the scene where Claire shows the others her talent. (The film also refers to Ghost, which actually didn’t come out until 1990. And there is a reference to the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which wasn’t instituted until 1994.) Of course there’s a montage of Cassie and Maggie trying on clothes. And there is a musical number about life in prison. Enjoy!

Special Features

The DVD has several special features, including a commentary track by Dudley Beene, Brandon Alexander III, Charlie Vaughn and editor Corey Ziemniak. They talk about the cast, the look of the film, and the production. They also mention losing the audio for several scenes, and having to loop them, and they point out insert shots they failed to get.

First Period: The Totally Rockin’ Featurette is a behind-the-scenes featurette, with interviews with Charlie Vaughn, Dudley Beene, and Brandon Alexander III. Charlie Vaughn says they had only ten days to shoot the film, and that he wanted the film to look like a 1980s cartoon. Dudley Beene and Brandon Alexander III talk about playing girls.

There are also three short deleted scenes, including a bit more from the art class scene (which mentions A Midsummer Night’s Dream), and also a song that was deleted from the film. That song is audio only.

First Period was directed by Charlie Vaughn, and is scheduled to be released on DVD on April 21, 2015 through Screen Media.