John Hughes defined Generation X through his iconic depictions of growing up in 1980s America. Project X, if attempting to depict the current generation of people about to enter the adult world, is as nihilistic as it gets. Abandon hope all ye who enter here at this house party.
Using the tired hand held camera gimmick, the film follows three unpopular high school students throwing a huge party in an attempt to gain popularity. The party goes out of control, literally destroying a neighborhood. Apparently it’s a comedy although there are no laughs whatsoever. Trying so hard to be edgy in its depiction of partying (and that really is all there is in the film), it fails in every respect.
There is an overhead shot our apparent hero sticking his finder up and a helicopter, ‘sticking it to the man.’ He has a middle class upbringing, he lives with his parents in a huge house, and a seamlessly ending supply of money. He has nothing to rebel against, but the party guests seem to riot anyway. When the police turn up to shut the party down, they fight back. The message appears to be teens have the right to drink, take Ecstasy, destroy property and have a damn good time doing it. The film is devoid on any other purpose than to show the audience a thousand teenagers having a good time. They characters are the only people having a good time in this experience.
