Walking into “21 and Over,” I wasn’t sure what the film would bring. The previews all suggested a cross between “Project X” and “The Hangover,” but the cast didn’t seem to fit the film. 

Written and directed by Scott Moore and Jon Lucas, this one hour and 33 minute movie is one where I found myself laughing out loud in the theatre and enjoying myself a lot more than I previously expected.

The main character is Jeff Chang, portrayed by Justin Chon, who is a pre-med, straight-A student in college getting ready to take a major medical school exam that unfortunately lands on the morning after his 21st birthday.

His two best friends from home, Miller, portrayed by Miles Teller, and Casey, portrayed Skylar Astin, surprise him at school and talk him into going out for his 21st birthday.

The night was supposed to consist of a few beers and getting home before 11 p.m., however it quickly turned into a night of blacked-out shenanigans.

The three friends’ friendship often gets tested, and they struggle with the realization that college might have changed the way things used to be between them.

Jeff takes full advantage of his birthday and becomes incoherent halfway through his night, leaving Casey and Miller wandering around an unfamiliar college campus trying to get their friend home, and that’s when the adventure unfolds.

Initially, I had my hopes up that this film might do the college scene right with the depiction of the Quad not being overdone, and the houses and dorms of students weren’t spotless and incredibly large, which is the usual and unrealistic view in movies.

However, I was quickly let down when the college setting became very cliché, making it painful to watch at times as a college student.        

Throughout the film, there were still the typical red cup party scenes, girls flashing and stereotypical sororities and fraternities.

The most entertaining parts of this film come from the frequent one-liners that the audience definitely should be listening for, especially from the main character Miller that will be sure to make you laugh. And if you’re concerned that all the best jokes were in the preview, rest assured that the film contains plenty more.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this film.

Although you can tell from the beginning it will have a happy ending, it is still worth the watch, and the story heads in a few directions that keeps the viewer wondering what will happen next.

Will it be one of the best films of this year? Highly unlikely, but it is a mindless comedy that is good to see with friends.

With its continuous humor, unexpected twists and heavy clichés, I would give this film a three out of five stars. “21 and over” is a solid kickoff to some of the bigger movies coming our way in 2013, and I look forward to seeing what is coming next.