Movie #11 : You are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah

 I was really skeptical about this movie because it is an Adam Sandler film and those tend to be...bad. No offense to Adam Sandler, he's a great actor but many of his movies that he produced are boy funny. Movies I like to say are only funny to immature boys. I think I liked this one because it centers around girls and what it's like to be a middle school girl. One of the toughest times in a girl's life.

"You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah" was directed by Sammi Cohen in 2023 and was released to Netflix next week. The story follows Stacey, a girl in 7th grade who is in the midst of planning her Bat Mitzvah. She is on the geekier side and dreams of social climbing. She also has a crush on Andy Goldfarb, the hottest boy in 7th grade. But when her crush for him dies and she sees her best friend Lydia kissing him, she uninvites her from her Bat Mitzvah. They have been best friends for forever and are helping each other plan their Bat Mitzvahs. Will they be able to survive the trials and tribulations of middle school?

I actually really loved this movie. Despite other reviews on it saying it did not have the voice of the younger generation, I feel like it did in way. The same struggles of middle school girls now, were the same from when I was in middle school. Sure they had new slang terms and more freedom but it was still the same drama. I also do not think any man could relate and understand this movie like a girl.

This movie's casting also had me worried a bit. The main character Stacey, is played by on of Adam Sandler's daughters. Her sister is also her real sister in real life with Adam playing their dad. While this is very much nepotism, I feel like it was also just a fun thing to do as a family. Adam's real life wife and actress, Jackie Titone, was in the movie as well playing Lydia's mom.  

This movie also centered around Judaism and going through this rite of passage. It was really enjoyable to see Judaism loved and appreciated during a time that there is so much hate. I feel like I learned a bit more about what goes into a Bat Mitzvah and even though I am not Jewish, I could still relate to some of the struggles Stacey was going through. It also showcased a lot of Jewish people who are not white which is not often represented in the media which I really loved. 

Still, the main character's made me mad. Lydia should not have kissed Andy Goldfarb right after Stacey liked him but Stacey was a bad friend to Lydia. She pushed Lydia into uncomfortable situations and did not give Lydia a chance to explain herself. But I mean, they are young girls so they are going to make rash decisions. Stacey reminded me of Devi from "Never Have I Ever" in a way that they were both a bit crazy but also made up for it.

I recommend all girls and young women watch this movie because it will make you reminisce about the worst year of your life but also remember how unserious things were. I loved it.