Alice Wu's "The Half of It" - Totally Winning Y/A Film WATCH IT

Dir/screenwriter Alice Wu's coming of age, coming out of the closet road to self discovery film is an entertaining rom/comp that is completely disarming & totally unique.  This high school (h.s.), love triangle doesn't take itself too seriously but is a sensitive & intelligent film about teens discovering who they are and where they fit in.  The h.s. is in a boon town where Friday night lights is a big deal as are the jocks and cute, clique of cheerleaders.  The town has few (only 2) Asians faced to fend with prejudice.  Ellie (a brilliant Leah Lewis) is the only one of Asian heritage at her h.s.   Ellie's content being an outsider.  She services students writing their papers keeps to stay in good graces & needed greens.  Mrs. Geselchap (a terrific Becky Ann Baker), Ellie's teacher is on to her money making scheme but prefers reading Ellie's papers rather than the crappy stuff she would otherwise receive.  Wu does her own take on "Cyrano de Bergerac" when Paul (Daniel Diemer) seeks Ellie's services to woo the girl of his dreams, Aster (a lovely performance by Alexiss Lemire).   Love letters are not in Ellie's business paradigm but the income convinces her to help the seemingly hapless but sweet, varsity football player, Paul.  It was supposed to be a one & done service.  This one of kind, love triangle takes on a rhombus twists of genuine emotional turmoils.  The cheesy, stereotypical characters (except for the dumb jocks) in most h.s. movies are portrayed here as multilayered, caring individuals.  (Still, why have 20 somethings playing h.s. kids?).  Ellie doesn't want to leave Paul hanging when "his" letter wins him a date at the malt shop.  With today's technology, Ellie helps him from himself by texting him what to say to Aster.  Aster, is stunning & knows it, but knows its limited significance & what's expected of her.  Aster & Ellie are more on par intellectually and their attachment grows from getting to know each other's souls through text & tagging.  Paul knows he's "not good with words" but he's smart when it comes to  matters of the heart & cooking sausages in his family's business.  The film pays clever homage to classic movies with a mischievous wink.  Mrs. Geselchap is the spirited teacher who provides Ellie plentiful encouragement.  Ellie & Paul's ping pong, back & forth familiarity adds spicy simpatico to the ingredients that makes for a surprising delight.  Aster sizzles as the blazing beauty at the apex.  All 3, Aster,  Paul & Ellie are artists in their own right in the process of revelatory, self-discovery.   Plenty of accolades are due "The Half of It" for its entertaining & sage coming of age rom/com which is totally winning.