“Bad Girls from Valley High” is a 2005 black comedy movie directed by John T. Kretchmer.
Based on the 1995 book “A Fate Totally Worse than Death” by Paul Fleischman, it tells the story of three high school girls who are seemingly cursed after causing a fellow student’s death.
With a mix of humor, horror, and mystery, the story explores the consequences of their actions and the intricate web of relationships between the characters.
In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the book summary, movie summary, character analysis, notable quotes, and much more.
Book Summary: ‘A Fate Totally Worse than Death’ by Paul Fleischman
“A Fate Totally Worse than Death” is a darkly humorous novel that follows the lives of three wealthy, popular, and malicious high school girls – Danielle, Tiffany, and Brooke.
They rule Clapper High School in the affluent community of Valley High with an iron grip, manipulating their peers and teachers alike.
However, their seemingly perfect lives take a dark turn when they learn that their cruel actions towards a foreign exchange student, Hedy, led to her tragic death.
As the girls start to experience a series of unfortunate events, they become convinced that Hedy’s ghost is haunting them and seeking revenge.
The novel is a satirical take on the horror genre, with elements of comedy and mystery woven throughout. As the girls’ lives unravel, they must confront the consequences of their actions, culminating in a climactic and shocking ending.
Movie Summary: ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’
‘Bad Girls from Valley High’ is a 2005 comedy film directed by John T. Kretchmer and based on the young adult novel ‘A Fate Totally Worse than Death’ by Paul Fleischman.
The movie summary revolves around three high school girls, Danielle, Tiffany, and Brooke, who accidentally cause the death of a fellow student, Charity Chase.
One year later, they start experiencing strange events and gradually realize that Charity’s ghost has returned to seek revenge on them.
The girls’ popularity and social status start to crumble as they struggle to maintain their perfect lives while dealing with the supernatural consequences of their actions.
As the story unfolds, we see the girls’ friendships with each other and their relationships with other characters being tested. Ultimately, they must face the consequences of their past actions and learn the importance of empathy, compassion, and accountability.
Understanding the Characters: Who’s Who
The main characters in ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’ are as follows:
Danielle: The leader of the group, Danielle is a manipulative, cunning, and self-centered girl who is always concerned about her appearance and social status. She is portrayed by Julie Benz.
Tiffany: Played by Monica Keena, Tiffany is Danielle’s best friend and loyal follower. Although she can be shallow and materialistic, she starts to question her actions and friendship with Danielle throughout the movie.
Brooke: The third member of the group, Brooke is a ditzy and naive girl who often goes along with Danielle’s schemes without fully understanding their consequences. She is portrayed by Nicole Bilderback.
Charity Chase: The victim of the girls’ prank, Charity is a kind-hearted and intelligent girl who comes back as a ghost to seek revenge on her tormentors. Keri Lynn Pratt plays the role of Charity.
Drew: A new student at Valley High, Drew becomes the object of Danielle’s affections and plays a significant role in the girls’ downfall. He is portrayed by Christopher Lloyd.
Ms. Granger: The school’s guidance counselor, Ms. Granger, played by Janet Leigh, takes an interest in the girls’ unusual behavior and eventually uncovers the truth about Charity’s death.
Notable Quotes from the Book and Movie
Here are some memorable quotes from ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’ and ‘A Fate Totally Worse than Death’:
- “Popularity is like a drug. It makes you feel good, but it’s never enough.” – Danielle
- “I’d rather be dead than be unpopular.” – Tiffany
- “You can’t escape the past by pretending it didn’t happen.” – Ms. Granger
- “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” – Charity
- “Sometimes being popular means making tough choices.” – Danielle
- “It’s not how you look on the outside that matters; it’s what’s on the inside.” – Drew
The Soundtrack by Shawn K. Clement and Sean Murray
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Shawn K. Clement and Sean Murray, adds a lively and engaging element to the movie.
It features a mix of pop, rock, and electronic music that perfectly complements the film’s comedic and dramatic moments.
Some popular tracks from the soundtrack include “Bad Girls” by MKTO, “Trouble” by Neon Jungle, and “Crazy” by Kat Dahlia.
The soundtrack also includes instrumental pieces that enhance the movie’s suspenseful and eerie scenes.
Parent Guide: Is ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’ Suitable for All Ages?
‘Bad Girls from Valley High’ is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, language, and some crude humor.
The film contains mild profanity, suggestive dialogue, and scenes of bullying and peer pressure, which may not be suitable for younger viewers.
Parents should consider watching the movie with their children and use it as an opportunity to discuss the importance of kindness, compassion, and empathy.
The film also touches on themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and redemption, making it a valuable learning experience for teens and adults alike.
Exploring the Setting: When and Where the Story Takes Place
The story of ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’ takes place in the present day at Valley High School, a fictional high school located in an upper-class suburban neighborhood.
The school is portrayed as a typical American high school, complete with cliques, social hierarchies, and various extracurricular activities.
The setting helps to emphasize the superficiality and materialism that often characterize modern teenage life, providing a relatable backdrop for the story’s themes of popularity, friendship, and self-discovery.
The movie also utilizes several off-campus locations, such as the local mall and a nearby forest, to create an atmospheric and immersive environment for the characters and their supernatural encounters.
Film Locations: A Travel Guide to Visit the Movie’s Real-life Sites
While the story of ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’ takes place in a fictional location, the movie was filmed in various real-life locations in and around Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Some of the film’s most iconic scenes were shot at the following locations:
Vancouver Technical Secondary School: Serving as the exterior and interior ofValley High School, this school has been used in many other movies and TV shows, such as ‘Smallville’ and ‘Supernatural’.
Central City Shopping Centre: This mall was used for several scenes in the movie, including the girls’ shopping spree and the Halloween party.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: The park’s suspension bridge and forest trails were used for the movie’s climax, where the girls confront Charity’s ghost.
Visiting these locations can be an exciting and unique experience for fans of the movie.
The Vancouver tourism board even offers a self-guided tour of the film’s locations, providing fans with an opportunity to relive their favorite scenes and take pictures in the same spots as their favorite characters.
Curiosities and Trivia about ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’
Here are some interesting facts and trivia about ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’:
- The movie was originally titled ‘A Fate Totally Worse than Death,’ like the book it was based on.
- The film’s release was delayed due to the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, which sparked a nationwide debate about the effects of media violence on youth.
- The movie’s director, John T. Kretchmer, is known for his work on many popular TV shows, such as ‘Charmed’ and ‘Veronica Mars.’
- The film’s original soundtrack features songs by several popular artists, including Avril Lavigne and Kelly Osbourne.
- The movie’s opening credits feature an animated sequence that parodies the opening credits of ‘Mean Girls.’
- The film’s script underwent several revisions, with many changes made to the characters, plot, and dialogue.
Tips for Cosplay: Dress Like Your Favorite Characters
If you’re a fan of ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’ and want to dress like your favorite characters, here are some tips for cosplaying:
- Danielle: Wear a short, tight-fitting dress in a bright color, like pink or blue. Accessorize with high heels, a designer bag, and oversized sunglasses.
- Tiffany: Dress in preppy, upscale clothing, such as a polo shirt, khaki shorts, and boat shoes. Add a pearl necklace and a designer purse to complete the look.
- Brooke: Wear a cute, girly outfit, such as a floral print dress or a denim skirt and a crop top. Accessorize with a headband or a bow in your hair.
- Charity: Dress in a school uniform, such as a plaid skirt and a white blouse. Add a ghostly element to the costume with pale makeup, white contact lenses, and a flowing wig.
The Creator: Paul Fleischman’s Biography and Other Works
Paul Fleischman, the author of ‘A Fate Totally Worse than Death,’ is an American writer known for his work in young adult and children’s literature.
He has written over 30 books, many of which have won awards and critical acclaim.
Fleischman was born in Monterey, California, in 1952 and grew up in Santa Monica. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a degree in English.
Some of his other notable works include ‘Seedfolks,’ ‘Whirligig,’ and ‘Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices.’
The Director: Other Media by John T. Kretchmer
Besides ‘Bad Girls from Valley High,’ John T. Kretchmer has directed many other movies and TV shows throughout his career. Some of his notable works include:
- ‘Charmed‘: Kretchmer directed 12 episodes of this popular supernatural TV show, which aired from 1998 to 2006.
- ‘White Collar’: Kretchmer directed several episodes of this crime drama TV series, which aired from 2009 to 2014.
- ‘Veronica Mars’: Kretchmer directed four episodes of this cult classic detective TV series, which aired from 2004 to 2007.
Analyzing the Ending: What Does It All Mean?
The ending of ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’ is open to interpretation, leaving many viewers wondering what it all means.
While some believe that the girls’ redemption and self-discovery signify a hopeful and optimistic future, others argue that their actions have irreversibly damaged their lives and relationships.
The film’s use of supernatural elements, such as Charity’s ghost and the girls’ visions, adds a surreal and dreamlike quality to the ending, making it even more ambiguous.
One interpretation of the ending is that the girls’ experiences with Charity’s ghost represent their journey towards self-awareness and empathy.
By confronting their past actions and facing the consequences of their behavior, they are able to grow and mature as individuals.
Another interpretation is that the girls’ redemption is only temporary, as the film’s final shot suggests that they may continue to face the consequences of their actions in the future.
Speculations: Remake, Sequel, and Spin-off Possibilities
With the rise of nostalgia and the popularity of teen comedies, many fans have speculated about the possibility of a ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’ remake, sequel, or spin-off.
While there has been no official announcement regarding any of these possibilities, some fans have suggested that a sequel could explore the girls’ lives after high school, while a spin-off could focus on other characters from the book and movie.
A remake could update the story to reflect modern teenage life and social media, while still retaining the original story’s themes of popularity, friendship, and redemption.
Whatever the future holds for ‘Bad Girls from Valley High,’ its enduring popularity and cult following suggest that it will continue to be a beloved and influential teen comedy for years to come.
Similar Media: Books and Movies Like ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’ and ‘A Fate Totally Worse than Death’
If you’re a fan of ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’ and ‘A Fate Totally Worse than Death,’ here are some similar books and movies that you might enjoy:
- ‘Heathers’ (1988): This dark comedy movie follows a group of high school students who engage in a series of murders and pranks. Like ‘Bad Girls from Valley High,’ it explores themes of popularity, social hierarchy, and the consequences of one’s actions.
- ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ (2012): Based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky, this coming-of-age movie follows a high school freshman named Charlie as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and forms meaningful relationships with his peers.
- ‘Mean Girls’ (2004): This iconic teen comedy movie follows a new student, Cady, as she navigates the complex social hierarchy of her high school and becomes involved with a group of popular girls called The Plastics.
- ‘Gossip Girl’ (2007-2012): This popular TV show follows a group of wealthy and privileged teens living in New York City as they navigate the ups and downs of high school and adulthood. Like ‘Bad Girls from Valley High,’ it explores the often cutthroat world of teenage social hierarchy and the consequences of one’s actions.
Book Club Questions: Discussing ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’
If you’re reading ‘A Fate Totally Worse than Death’ for a book club or discussion group, here are some questions to consider:
- What themes does the book explore, and how are they relevant to modern teenage life?
- How do the characters change throughout the book, and what motivates these changes?
- Do you think the book’s portrayal of high school life is accurate? Why or why not?
- How does the book use supernatural elements to enhance the story’s themes and messages?
- What message do you think the book is trying to convey about the importance of empathy, compassion, and accountability?
Gaming and ‘Bad Girls from Valley High’: Video Games Inspired by the Story
While there are no official video games based on ‘Bad Girls from Valley High,’ there are several games that capture the spirit and themes of the story. Here are some games that fans of the movie might enjoy:
- ‘Bully’ (2006): This open-world adventure game follows a teenage boy named Jimmy as he attends a fictional boarding school and navigates the complex social hierarchy of high school life.
- ‘Life is Strange’ (2015): This episodic adventure game follows a teenage girl named Max as she navigates the challenges of high school life and discovers that she has the ability to rewind time.
- ‘Oxenfree’ (2016): This supernatural thriller game follows a group of teenagers as they explore a haunted island and uncover the secrets of their past.
Conclusion
‘Bad Girls from Valley High’ is a beloved and influential teen comedy that explores the often cutthroat world of teenage social hierarchy and the consequences of one’s actions.
Whether you’re a fan of the book, the movie, or both, there’s no denying the enduring popularity and cultural impact of this classic story.
From analyzing the characters and quotes to exploring the film’s real-life locations and discussing book club questions, there are countless ways to engage with and appreciate the intricate and fascinating world of ‘Bad Girls from Valley High.’
