This movie is better than it has any right to be.

And that’s for one reason and one reason only: Jennifer Lawrence. I knew she had comic chops, but I was in awe of her commitment to the bit. And I’m not just talking about the fight scene on the beach where she wrestles two guys and a girl completely starkers.

The plot is ridiculous. Helicopter parents (Laura Benanti and Matthew Broderick in thankless roles… they do their best) hire thirty-something Maddie (Lawrence) — who desperately needs a car so she can Uber and pay property tax… or something — to date (fuck) their awkward and shy 19-year-old son, Percy, (Andrew Barth Feldman, whose rather good) before he heads off to College. His parents are worried that if he doesn’t live a little, he won’t survive the College experience. (Is it really that bad? Can’t he just continue game-ing with his mates?)

The movie could be wall-to-wall cringe. And, to an extent, it is, but there’s an authenticity to Lawrence’s character and genuine comedic chemistry between her and Percy, that wins you over. I even laughed out loud a couple of times. So, if you’re looking for a silly comedy with Lawrence baring all (literally) in service of the gag, you should check this out.