Struck by Lightning
Clovis East High School’s most famous alumnus is going back to where it all began in this whip-smart black comedy. Chris Colfer, Golden Globe winner for his work on the hit TV series Glee, is the writer and star of this feature set in the fictional town of Clover, California. While Colfer claims the story is not autobiographical, some major plot points will certainly ring true for anyone who has suffered through the torments of high school social orders and the secret desire to show them all up in fabulous style.
Colfer plays Carson Phillips, a high school senior with big dreams of escaping the mediocrity of his small town. At school, Carson’s routinely stifled by meathead jocks, drama club gays, a mean-girl cheerleader (Sarah Hyland, Modern Family), a spooky goth chick (Ashley Rickards, Awkward), and a clueless college advisor (Angela Kinsey, The Office). Home is certainly no solace for Carson, what with a pill-popping mom (Allison Janney), estranged father (Dermot Mulroney), and his father’s pregnant fiancée (Christina Hendricks, Mad Men). Quirky and hilarious Rebel Wilson (BRIDESMAIDS) is Carson’s only ally, and together they hatch an outrageous plan to best his foes and escape his fate. With memorable performances by the all-star cast, this fresh and lively reinvention of the high school comic drama is infused with such spirit and joy that it might even make you fondly nostalgic.