Kay Cannon has done a lot of writing for NBC’s 30 Rock and she wrote the screenplays for all three Pitch Perfect movies. Cannon clearly has the talent needed to bring laughs from the audience is all that she does. Now she has progressed to the next step, directing. Making her directorial debut with the Universal Pictures comedy, Blockers, Cannon is looking to drive on the racy side of the track for a change.

For these high school friends, going off to college is also a transition into adulthood. Julie (Kathryn Newton), Kayla (Geraldine Viswanathan), and Sam (Gideon Adlon) decide to finish out their senior year with a bang. They make a sex pact to lose their virginity on prom night. Of course their parents have no idea initially, but once the cat is out of the bag, the parental dong denying defense goes for an all-out full court press to stop any potential deflowering on their watch. Lisa (Leslie Mann), Mitchell (John Cena), and Hunter (Ike Barinholtz) go on an awkward adventure full of silly situations while trying to (but failing miserably) maintain some dignity and decorum.

Here comes the disclaimer: This review was written by the parent of a college kid that probably saw Blockers as more of a horror flick than a comedy! Okay, now that we’ve gotten the unpleasant formalities out of the way, let’s dive in. There isn’t a lot of star power to propel this movie. We’re used to seeing Leslie Mann, John Cena, and Ike Barinholtz more in smaller parts with less focus on their characters. They are all given ample screen time and, with the exception of Mann, this is virgin territory. The trio does not fail to entertain but I’d stop short of saying that any of them gave strong performances.

As for the younger talent involved, it makes sense that they were put front and center with the hopes of ushering in a new generation of fans. Kathryn Newton, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Gideon Adlon are allowed to be raunchy, funny, and even compassionate at times in the hopes that their actions will resonate with the fans.

Blockers is hit or miss while trying to be the next American Pie or Superbad. While there are some undeniably funny moments scattered through out this coming-of-age comedy, there are simply too many moments where it comes up flat and a little short. I think your enjoyment level will be directly proportionate to how well you relate to the characters. Undoubtedly there will be those below the age of 24 that will find it to be more entertaining than those in their late 20s. Then there will be those that are parents of teenage girls that will probably cry themselves to sleep. Remember, this is just a movie. That’s what I kept telling myself as lay awake at night.

Blockers is funny but not hilarious. Don’t buy into all of the hype. See this movie and expect to laugh enough times to make it worth your time. However, don’t get yourself overly excited and thinking it’ll be a new classic, it doesn’t have that mass appeal. If you’re looking to laugh a little (or a lot for some people), this is probably your best option.