Jawbreaker (1999, R) *** (out of ****)

Written and Directed by Darren Stein

Starring Rose McGowan, Rebecca Gayheart, Julie Benz, Charlotte Roldan, Judy Evans Greer

Glam gals Courtney Shayne (Rose McGowan), Julie Freeman (Rebecca Gayheart), Marcie Fox (Julie Benz) and Liz Purr (Charlotte Roldan) make up the clique at Reagan High. That is, until a birthday prank goes fatally wrong, and Liz's slot is left open. Enter Fern Mayo (Judy Evans Greer), the geekiest girl in school. After Fern finds out the truth about what happened to Liz, ringleader Courtney offers the social outcast a makeover and popularity beyond her wildest dreams--in exchange for her silence. Hence the barely noticed disappearance of Fern and the much-noticed arrival of the one-named Vylette, a blonde, self-proclaimed bitch who threatens Courtney's crown as the school's "it" girl.

As Julie so eloquently tells Courtney regarding Liz's jawbreaker-induced death, "You can't hide the truth with a makeover!" The same can be said of writer-director Darren Stein's black comedy, which is a mishmash of elements from Heathers, Clueless, and Very Bad Things. But its derivative nature aside, Jawbreaker is a darkly fun romp, thanks to Stein's witty script and stylishly energetic direction (Fern'sFrankenstein-like transformation into Vylette is a nicely surreal touch) and, especially, McGowan's deliciously wicked turn as the ruthless ice queen Courtney. (opens February 19)