Damsels in Distress (2012)

To enjoy this film you really have to immediately succomb to it's tongue in cheek sense of humor, or you will find it anywhere from silly to annoying to down right out of touch.  It is a modern day setting with an almost 1950's sensibility about it--the characters are understated and quirky--they tapdance to raise their spirits, and they use donuts to lure students into their Suicide Prevention Center.  Pilates and bagels would feel more appropriate, but that is not where this film is coming from.  If you can get into that, you are well on your way to enjoying this movie.  For me it had a Wes Anderson feel about it--it is plot driven, well written, hilarious, and if you pay attention you may just learn something.

Here is the story.  Seven Oaks is a small liberal arts university, and we are focused on four women who go there.  Violet is the team leader--she has the goal of improving the men on campus.  The movie very correctly identifies the maturity differential between men and women that starts somewhere around sixth grade and doesn't seem to really evaporate until the mid-20's for many men and women (or even later--read Michael Chabon's latest book, 'Telegraph Avenue' to hear more about men who get well into middle age without reaching maturity).  These women talk openly (and hilariously) about this phenomenon, and go about trying to 'help' men by encouraging the use of deodorant and soap (I personally would go further and add laundry and changing your bed sheets to the list of accomplishments that would be helpful).  They do not try to address the impossible, merely the attainable.  Such fun.