In the new movie by director Chris Columbus, high school graduation, a rite of passage for American teens, leads to a comic escapade pairing the cheerleader-prom queen with the homely, nerdy guy who never gets a date …and the experience makes each of them a better person. Hayden Panettiere of the TV series stars as the title character. Here's a look at .
That's not the kind of thing usually included in a valedictory speech, but Dennis Cooverman - played by newcomer Paul Rust - is not the usual valedictorian. Sure, his grades are terrific and he's going on to a prestigious university; but shy Dennis realizes he has missed out on the fun of the high school years, so he confesses his secret passion for Beth Cooper, the prettiest girl on campus, with whom he has never spoken. In fact, their first conversation comes right after the graduation ceremony …and it is not what he had imagined.
Dazed that she has actually spoken to him, Dennis thinks his dreams are finally coming true; but, as they often do in the movies, those dreams can turn into nightmares …especially with a reckless driver like Beth behind the wheel.