You Again

The film kicks off in 2002, showcasing Marni (Kristen Bell), an acne-plagued high school senior at Ridgefield High adorned with glasses and braces, as she tapes a video expressing her disdain for high school. She unveils the torment she endures from other girls, particularly from Joanna (Odette Yustman), whose relentless bullying turns Marni’s teenage years into a nightmare. Marni reflects on her older brother, Will (James Wolk), a dashing basketball star whose popularity starkly contrasts with her high school struggles. In a pivotal basketball game, Joanna’s cruel pranks lead to a disastrous incident where Marni, dressed as the mascot, collides with Will, costing the team the win.

Fast forward to 2010, Marni has transformed into a successful public-relations executive in New York City, distancing herself from her “ugly duckling” past. Returning home for Will’s wedding, Marni is shocked to discover that he is set to marry none other than Joanna, the same cheerleader who made her life unbearable. Despite the years apart, Joanna appears blissfully unaware of Marni’s identity when they reunite, seamlessly integrating into the family. Tension escalates as Marni’s mother, Gail (Jamie Lee Curtis), reconnects with Joanna’s aunt, Ramona (Sigourney Weaver), someone who once humiliated her at their high school prom. Ramona, now a wealthy hotel owner with a private plane, seems poised to outshine Gail, rekindling old rivalries.

While Gail attempts to mend fences, Marni is resolute in her desire for Joanna to acknowledge her past bullying. She struggles to speak with Will about Joanna’s true nature, but her attempts fail. When confronted, Joanna feigns ignorance, dismissively refusing to issue a genuine apology, leading Marni to believe that Joanna is still the same cruel person. Amidst the unfolding drama, Gail aims for reconciliation, but her efforts are clouded by lingering resentments, especially when a surprise toast at the rehearsal dinner from a confused young man named Tim (Kyle Bornheimer), who reveals Joanna’s past betrayal, stirs the pot further.

As events take a turn, a video from their old high school time capsule surfaces, evidencing Joanna’s unkindness toward Marni. When Will abruptly halts the video screening in anger, discord thickens among the group. Marni finds herself at the center of backlash for the video’s reveal, leading to confrontations with both Joanna and Will, each of whom feels betrayed.

Simultaneously, Gail and Ramona’s dispute reaches its climax, leading to a hilarious yet nostalgic poolside brawl, echoing their high school rivalries. Despite clashing, they begin to reconcile over their competitive histories and personal growth, as Ramona acknowledges the driving force behind her success was partly fueled by jealousy of Gail.

Later, Marni encounters Joanna indulging in junk food, where an unexpected confession transpires. Joanna expresses genuine remorse for her past actions and reveals her love for Will, prompting Marni to forgive her and aim for their reunion. On the following day, Marni hatches a plan to regain Will’s attention, ultimately causing a mix of hilarity and chaos when she and Joanna’s attempts at reconciliation land them both in the hospital after an accident in Marni’s childhood tree house.

In an inventive twist, Marni orchestrates a makeshift wedding within the hospital walls, bandaged bride and groom included. As the story spins toward its conclusion, an unexpected new romance blossoms for Marni with Charlie, Will’s caring friend.

However, the final twist reveals the hilarious continuation of old feuds when Joanna introduces Marni’s quirky grandmother, Bunny (Betty White), to her own grandmother, Helen (Cloris Leachman), igniting yet another generation of rivalry, thus closing with a side-splitting revelation of their shared history.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 17:50