Tanner Hall [Blu-ray]

Actions have consequences, according to Tanner Hall, a humdrum mishmash of schoolgirl clichés and anxieties channelled through a poorly paced, tonally incoherent cinematic vessel. Said actions come from biting the apple of sin, or so it seems, with opening and closing voiceovers from glum protagonist Fernanda (Rooney Mara) about the discomforting knowledge that people will do bad things knowing they're wrong just for the thrill, or more astutely, to sate their self-hatred. You see, when she was very young, she witnessed her best friend open her grandmother's birdcage, setting free her beloved parrot. The action had no benefit for her chum, clearly, but it inspired a series of life decisions leading up to the happenings within this film about four friends at boarding school that each learn a little something about themselves and the power they have over others. Fernanda flirts with a married family friend (Tom Everett Scott), jeopardizing his marriage and her reputation, which is similar to the experiences of the slutty, outspoken Kate (Brie Larson), whose constant sexualized mind games with teacher Mr. Middleton (Chris Kattan) lead to him leaving his wife (Amy Sedaris). These stories are exacerbated by the constant lies and manipulation from self-hating rich-bitch newcomer Victoria (Georgia King), who gets the girls in trouble and thrives on exposing their secrets, including the lesbian tendencies of the shy Lucasta (Amy Ferguson). In theory, the realization of power and personal influence as a coming-of-age parable is actually quite astute, noting that period of development when children realize they have adult powers and are accountable for their actions. Unfortunately, the stories are told without any regard for pacing or continuity, bumbling around with little logical progression or emotional truth. Similarly, there are far too many comic diversions, with Amy Sedaris talking about the size of horse dicks and the wonder that is her vagina. Since this is intended as a drama and the schoolteacher characters are merely incidental, these protracted sequences merely distract and confuse. Of course, this can be said for the entire film, which flirts with greatness on occasion, but never realizes its potential. Since this is a delayed, straight-to-DVD release, there are no supplements included.