The found footage fake documentary films have continued to sprout up, but thankfully they have also moved beyond the horror genre and sitcoms. Films like Chronicle utilize the same techniques to make found footage films without the scares of horror movies or the talking head narration of comedic shows such as “The Office” or “Parks and Recreation.” While Project X is still a comedy, it doesn’t take much time out to have the characters explaining their feelings to the camera. Instead the movie looks more look footage taken from a cameraman working for Girls Gone Wild. Amidst the endless footage of drinking, dancing and flashing, there are also a few scenes of comedic mayhem and a predictably cliché movie romance.
The storyline remains so simplistic that it would not have made much of a film without the found footage stylistic choice. Otherwise it is simply the story of a group of unpopular guys who decide to throw a party in order to change their status at school. Thomas is having his seventeenth birthday party, which is also coincidentally the same date as his parent’s wedding anniversary and his first weekend home alone. With the encouragement of his rambunctious friend and the arrival of thousands of guests, Thomas’ birthday party becomes a monumental event. Even the hottest girl at school shows up, which causes problems when Thomas is forced to choose between her and his female best friend.
The predictability of the love triangle is countered by the irreverent behavior which slowly starts to take over the party. With a stroke of luck and some maneuvering, the first visit by the cops is deterred and the party continues. Soon it becomes completely out of control, however, and there is no telling what might happen next. The party becomes complete chaos, overrunning the neighborhood and frightening even the law enforcement away from entering. This all happens somewhat gradually, starting with excessive drinking, drugs and sex. Before long this graduates to violence and destruction.
There are no cast member names given on the back of the Blu-ray, almost as if the filmmakers are attempting to convince audiences that this footage is actually real, despite needing to have a disclaimer on the front cover which announces the fact that it is fictional. They want to trick audiences, but not as much as they need to cover themselves from lawsuits if some young kids decide to imitate any of the countless idiotic acts within the film. The Blu-ray disc also includes an extended cut of the film, which has plenty additional moments of nubile teenagers partying.
Aside from the extended cut of the film, the Blu-ray also contains a few exclusive special features. There is a feature which tallies up the total cost of a party like the one in the film, as well as a behind-the-scenes feature for all of the incredibly dangerous stunts in the film. The combo pack comes with a Blu-ray, a DVD and an Ultraviolet digital copy.
