I have never witnessed a high school or college debate - which I would now find more interesting after watching Candy Jar. The movie shows debaters Lona and Bennet speed talking to cram as many facts as possible in a short time limit. Serious presentations in the real world are more about framing selected ideas with compelling delivery. Lona and Bennet have also crammed academic achievement into their lives at the expense of normal socialization. It was a good development in the film that Lona and Bennet did not get accepted to Harvard and Yale - possibly because the universities were seeking more well rounded applicants. The film sends a good message that a constant struggle for success without fun and social interaction amounts to short changing your life. At least Candy Jar ends with the two characters discovering each other.and letting their guard down. Sami Gayle who plays Lona has a great range of expression. In the film "Detachment," after a rough start, she turns super sweet. In the film Hareship/Loveship Sami gives us a good look at a "mean girl. It will be interesting to see what Sami does next.
