Jawbreaker (1999)
**Jawbreaker (1999): A Dark, Candy-Coated Cult Classic**
*Jawbreaker* (1999), directed by Darren Stein, is a wickedly sharp teen comedy that blends pitch-black humor, high school hierarchy, and a deliciously twisted take on the coming-of-age genre. Starring Rose McGowan, Rebecca Gayheart, Julie Benz, and Judy Greer, this film is a neon-hued time capsule of late-’90s pop culture that’s equal parts vicious and vibrant. While it flopped at the box office, *Jawbreaker* has since earned its stripes as a cult favorite, and for good reason.
The plot centers on Reagan High’s reigning clique, the “Flawless Four,” led by the venomous Courtney Shayne (Rose McGowan at her most iconic). When a prank goes fatally wrong, resulting in the accidental death of one of their own, the group scrambles to cover it up. Enter Fern Mayo (Judy Greer), a nerdy outsider who stumbles upon their secret and is transformed into the glamorous “Vylette” in exchange for her silence. What unfolds is a chaotic spiral of betrayal, blackmail, and deliciously over-the-top melodrama, all set against a backdrop of candy-colored aesthetics and biting satire.
McGowan’s Courtney is the film’s venomous heart, delivering lines with a razor-sharp edge that makes her both despicable and magnetic. She’s the ultimate mean girl, a character who feels like a proto-Regina George with a murderous streak. Gayheart and Benz hold their own as the conflicted Liz and ditzy Marcie, respectively, while Greer steals scenes with her transformation from mousy Fern to confident Vylette, showcasing her comedic chops early in her career. The ensemble’s chemistry keeps the film’s wild tonal shifts—part teen flick, part crime caper—grounded.
Stein’s direction leans hard into the film’s exaggerated style, with vibrant costumes, a killer soundtrack (featuring The Donnas and Letters to Cleo), and a campy vibe that feels like *Heathers* meets *Clueless*. The script doesn’t shy away from its dark premise, poking fun at high school cliques and societal obsession with popularity while delivering quotable zingers like “I killed Liz. I killed the teen dream. Deal with it.” However, the pacing stumbles at times, and some subplots—like a half-baked romance—feel tacked on, keeping *Jawbreaker* from reaching the heights of its predecessors.
What makes *Jawbreaker* endure is its unapologetic edge and its ability to balance satire with genuine heart. It’s a love letter to the outcasts, wrapped in a glossy, sardonic package. The film’s commentary on popularity and reinvention still resonates, and its bold aesthetic choices make it a visual treat. For fans of dark comedies or anyone nostalgic for the Y2K era, *Jawbreaker* is a sugary, sinister delight that’s worth revisiting.
**Rating: 3.5/5**
Perfect for: Fans of *Heathers*, *Mean Girls*, or anyone craving a dose of ’90s camp with a side of malice.
*Stream it, quote it, and embrace the chaos—just don’t choke on the jawbreaker.*
