The To Do List Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A valedictorian makes a sex to-do list to prepare for college, leading to awkward and hilarious situations.

🍿 The To Do List: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Brandy’s Academic Focus

Brandy Klark, a high school valedictorian in 1993 Boise, Idaho, prioritizes academics above all else. This focus has left her inexperienced in social and sexual matters. Her conservative upbringing, especially under her father, Judge George Klark, further reinforces this sheltered lifestyle.

The Graduation Party and the List

At a graduation party, Brandy experiences her first real attraction to Rusty Waters, a college student. Inspired by her sister Amber’s advice and fueled by a desire to gain experience before college, Brandy creates a ‘to-do list’ of sexual activities. Her goal is to lose her virginity to Rusty, whom she discovers works with her at the local pool.

Summer at the Pool

Brandy’s summer job as a lifeguard provides numerous opportunities to check items off her list. Her friends, Fiona and Wendy, along with her sister Amber, serve as guides in her sexual exploration. Her mother, Jean, offers a more liberal and supportive perspective, emphasizing safety and enjoyment.

Cameron’s Unrequited Love

Throughout the summer, Cameron, Brandy’s friend and lab partner, remains devoted to her. He harbors unrequited feelings and attempts to be involved in her experiences, hoping for a romantic connection. His consistent affection contrasts with Brandy’s single-minded pursuit of Rusty.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Brandy Klark (Aubrey Plaza): A high-achieving and inexperienced high school graduate who creates a ‘to-do list’ of sexual activities to complete before college.
• Cameron (Johnny Simmons): Brandy’s long-time friend who harbors unrequited feelings for her and becomes entangled in her sexual exploration.
• Willy (Bill Hader): The hapless manager of the local swimming pool where Brandy works, offering guidance and unexpected camaraderie.
• Fiona (Alia Shawkat): One of Brandy’s more experienced friends who offers advice and support during her summer of sexual exploration.
• Amber (Rachel Bilson): Brandy’s older sister, who encourages and guides her exploration, though with her own agenda.
• Rusty Waters (Scott Porter): The attractive college student who becomes the initial object of Brandy’s desire and motivates her list.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Brandy: “I’m witty, engaging, smart, well-read. Once I add ‘sexually experienced’ to the package, he’ll want me.” – Brandy explains her motivation for creating the ‘To-Do List’ to her sister, believing sexual experience will make her more desirable.
• Judge Klark: “There are doors we don’t do. The back door is one of them.” – The Judge gives Brandy sex education, but is a conservative, limiting what she knows about it.
• Amber: “You know, a girl’s gotta experiment. How else are you gonna figure out what you like?” – Amber, Brandy’s older sister, encourages her to explore her sexuality and not be afraid to try new things.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.5M
• Domestic Gross: $3.49M
• Worldwide Gross: $3.91M

💥 The To Do List Reviews

Personal Review

I have mixed feelings about ‘The To-Do List’. It’s definitely raunchy and over-the-top, which made me laugh out loud at times. Aubrey Plaza is fantastic, but I felt some scenes were trying too hard to be shocking. The 90s nostalgia was a nice touch, but overall, the movie is good for a mindless, entertaining watch if you’re not easily offended. It’s not a movie for everyone, but it has its moments.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Aubrey Plaza”
  • “Viewers who enjoy raunchy teen comedies”
  • “Audiences looking for a female-led coming-of-age story”
  • “Those who appreciate 90s nostalgia”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Crude language”
  • “Suggestive scenes”
  • “Drug and alcohol use”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While uneven, ‘The To-Do List’ offers a female perspective on teen sex comedies, anchored by Aubrey Plaza’s fearless performance. It’s raunchy and surprisingly sweet, but might not be for everyone.
• IMDB User Review: “Some find the film crude and unfunny, highlighting awkward and uncomfortable moments. Others praise its raunchy humor and female-led perspective, likening it to a female ‘American Pie’.
• Film Critic: “‘The To-Do List’ is a teen sex comedy that shines with Aubrey Plaza’s talent. The movie isn’t afraid to take risks. It’s really funny, with characters that keep you interested. Despite some weaker parts, it does well by mixing heart and humor, making it stand out.

Audience Reactions

Viewers appreciated Aubrey Plaza’s performance and the film’s unapologetic approach to female sexuality.: Most people enjoyed the 90s setting and the nostalgia it evoked.

Some found the movie too crude and the humor forced.: Mixed reviews, with some disliking the over-the-top humor and explicit content.

Overall Consensus: A polarizing teen sex comedy with moments of genuine humor, but its raunchy nature may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was originally titled “The Handjob,” but the title was changed because the production struggled to secure filming locations due to the perceived nature of the film.”
• “Maggie Carey, the writer and director, is married to Bill Hader, who also stars in the movie. This was her feature directorial debut.”
• “The film is set in 1993 and is filled with 90’s references, including the music and fashion styles of the time, to create a nostalgic feel.”

🖥️ How to Watch The To Do List?

The To-Do List is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services or cable providers. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The To Do List, you might like these similar films:

• American Pie (1999): Both movies center around teenagers attempting to gain sexual experience before a major life change (college).
• Superbad (2007): Features teenagers on a quest to lose their virginity before college, with humorous and awkward situations.
• Easy A (2010): A teen comedy where a female high school student embraces rumors about her sexuality, leading to comical and empowering outcomes.
• Booksmart (2019): Two academic overachievers try to cram four years of partying into one night before high school graduation.

🛒 The To Do List Related Products

• The To Do List [Blu-ray]: Own the movie in high definition with behind-the-scenes content and extras, a must-have for collectors.
• 90s Throwback Party Pack: Embrace the 90s vibe of the movie with this party box of goodies.
• Rubik’s Cube: A nostalgic artifact from the 90’s, this classic Rubik’s Cube is a fun distraction that also encourages problem-solving skills.
• Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series [DVD]: Watch Aubrey Plaza in one of her most memorable roles as April Ludgate. The collection has all seasons.

🎧 Soundtrack

The To Do List features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Me So Horny” – performed by 2 Live Crew
• “Whatta Man” – performed by Salt-N-Pepa feat. En Vogue
• “Shoop” – performed by Salt-N-Pepa

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Aubrey Plaza’s Masturbation Scene Was, Um, Awkward | CONAN on TBS

Can you imagine how awkward it would be to film *that* scene from ‘The To-Do List’? Aubrey Plaza tells Conan about the experience, and it’s hilarious. You HAVE to hear this!

bill hader being a mood for 5 minutes

Bill Hader is a comedic genius, and this compilation shows off his funniest moments from ‘The To-Do List’! Honestly, I think his character is so underrated and this is definitely worth a watch if you need a quick laugh.

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