Behaving Badly 2014

Comedy

Box Office

$423K

Runtime

97 min

Language

English

Directed by

Tim Garrick

Made by

Vertical Entertainment

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Behaving Badly (2014). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

The narrative unfolds through the perspective of Rick Stevens, an 18-year-old navigating a whirlwind of chaotic relationships and unexpected events. The film starts with a dramatic moment: Rick’s mother attempts suicide, prompting him to call for an ambulance, only to be greeted by a police officer who seems more interested in selling tickets than offering help. This incident sets the stage for a flashback that delves into the two weeks leading up to this tragic event.

As Rick grapples with his feelings for Nina Pennington, he finds himself entangled in a series of bizarre and humorous situations. He navigates family dynamics with a mom who is struggling with her own issues, a dad who has detached himself from the family, and a sister who works as a stripper but still manages to excel in school. To add to the absurdity, Rick has unwittingly become involved with his mother’s best friend, a fling that could be linked to the turmoil in his home life.

Amidst this chaos, Rick gets caught up in a wager with the local Mafia kid, Karlis, which raises the stakes even higher when secrets are revealed and school events spiral out of control. From a disastrous first date to inevitably comical consequences during a rock concert, Rick’s attempts to impress Nina lead him into increasingly precarious situations — including getting involved in dubious Ecstasy deals and confrontations with law enforcement.

With each twist and turn, the plot reveals the absurdity of teenage life, showcasing moments filled with both humor and poignant reflections. Rick’s struggle becomes a quest to restore his chaotic family while balancing his growing affection for Nina, who becomes increasingly disillusioned as the truth about Rick’s life unravels.

As St. Lola, the patron saint of teenagers, offers Rick baffling advice throughout, he learns to navigate the murky waters of love, friendship, and family loyalty. The climax explodes into a farcical series of events, culminating in a dramatic scene where chaos reigns, leading to overwhelming consequences for everyone involved.

Ultimately, this film captures the essence of youth in turmoil — a blend of comedy, heartache, and the deep-seated desire to find connection amid the madness. As Rick confronts the fallout of his choices, he is left with clearer priorities and a determination to mend his fractured relationships, especially with Nina and his family. The story concludes with a glimpse of hope, showing that even amidst the messiness of teenage life, understanding and redemption are within reach.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Behaving Badly (2014) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Rick's Mother's Attempted Suicide

The film begins with a shocking moment when Rick's mother attempts to take her own life. This critical incident forces Rick into a panic, leading him to call for an ambulance, illustrating the deep emotional turmoil within his family.

The Police Encounter

Following the ambulance call, Rick encounters a police officer who is more focused on issuing tickets than providing support. This moment symbolizes the lack of real help available to Rick during his family's crisis.

Rick's home

Flashback to Two Weeks Prior

In a significant narrative shift, the story flashes back to the events leading up to the crisis. This helps to establish the chaotic backdrop of Rick's life and the bizarre circumstances he navigates.

Rick's Complicated Love Life

Rick struggles with his feelings for Nina Pennington, experiencing a series of awkward and humorous mishaps. His attempts to connect with her serve as a comedic yet poignant reflection of young love.

Family Dynamics

Rick's family structure is unveiled, showcasing his mother's struggles, his father's emotional detachment, and his sister's unconventional lifestyle. These elements highlight the unusual environment Rick must navigate as he seeks stability.

Involvement with Mother's Best Friend

A humorous complication arises when Rick unwittingly hooks up with his mother's best friend. This relationship adds to the absurdity of his situation, further complicating his feelings and sense of family loyalty.

Wager with Mafia Kid

Rick finds himself entangled in a wager with Karlis, a local Mafia kid. This bet escalates the stakes, drawing Rick deeper into the unpredictable world of teenage gambling and risks that threaten to expose his secrets.

Disastrous First Date

In an effort to impress Nina, Rick orchestrates a first date that goes comically wrong. This event illustrates the trials of teenage romance, filled with misunderstandings and unexpected outcomes.

Ecstasy Dealings

As Rick's life spirals, he becomes embroiled in dubious Ecstasy transactions. This moment marks a significant turning point, showcasing the risks he takes amid his chaotic existence and relationships.

Confrontations with Law Enforcement

Rick experiences tense confrontations with law enforcement, heightening the sense of danger and urgency in his life. These encounters underscore the consequences of his actions and the chaotic environment surrounding him.

St. Lola's Guidance

Throughout his journey, Rick receives baffling advice from St. Lola, the patron saint of teenagers. Her presence adds a whimsical layer to his struggles, reflecting the oddity of adolescence.

Climactic Chaos

The plot culminates in a farcical series of events that lead to overwhelming chaos. These moments of pandemonium serve as a visual representation of Rick's internal and external conflicts.

Consequences of Choices

In the aftermath of the chaos, Rick confronts the fallout from his decisions. This critical moment forces him to reflect on the importance of relationships and the impact of his reckless behavior.

Determination to Mend Relationships

Rick emerges with a newfound determination to repair his strained relationships, particularly with Nina and his family. His character growth signifies the film's overarching theme of redemption amidst chaos.

A Glimpse of Hope

The story concludes with Rick finding hope amidst the messiness of teenage life. It emphasizes the possibility of understanding and connection as crucial elements of the human experience.

Characters

Explore all characters from Behaving Badly (2014). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Rick Stevens

Rick is an 18-year-old navigating the complexities of adolescence and relationships. He is often caught in a whirlwind of chaos, struggling with his feelings and attempts to please others while dealing with family issues. His character evolves throughout the film, showcasing comedic attempts mixed with sincere desires for connection and understanding.

👦 Teenager 🤔 Conflicted 🎭 Comedic

Nina Pennington

Nina is Rick's love interest, representing both a source of desire and a mirror to Rick's chaotic life. As she witnesses Rick's antics and the unraveling of his life, her disillusionment grows, providing a counterpoint to Rick's often reckless behavior. Nina embodies the struggles of young love and the quest for authenticity.

💖 Love Interest 😟 Disillusioned 🎓 Student

Karlis

Karlis is a local Mafia kid who adds tension and stakes to Rick's adventures. His involvement raises the stakes for Rick, leading to humorous yet precarious situations. Karlis serves as a foil to Rick's character, embodying the themes of risk and rebellion present in teenage life.

👊 Antagonist 🎲 Risk-Taker 😈 Rebellious

Setting

Learn where and when Behaving Badly (2014) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

Contemporary

The film takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting the current issues faced by teenagers today. During this time, themes such as mental health, familial relationships, and the pressures of high school are prevalent, resonating with a modern audience.

Location

Rick's home, Local high school, Rock concert venue

Rick's home serves as a backdrop to his family's struggles, highlighting the complex dynamics among family members. The local high school is where much of Rick's teenage life unfolds, filled with social challenges and encounters with peers. The rock concert venue represents a lively and chaotic setting that amplifies the comedic aspects of Rick's experiences.

🏠 Home 🎒 School 🎤 Concert

Themes

Discover the main themes in Behaving Badly (2014). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

😂

Chaos

The theme of chaos is central to the narrative, highlighted by the tumultuous events in Rick's life. From his mother's crisis to his misguided romantic pursuits, the film presents a whirlwind of absurdities that encapsulate teenage struggles. This chaos serves as both a comedic mechanism and a vehicle for character growth.

❤️

Love

Rick's journey is also a quest for love and connection, particularly with Nina, against the backdrop of personal and family turmoil. The evolving relationship between Rick and Nina underscores the complexities and challenges of young love, revealing layers of emotion amidst the laughter and chaos.

🏆

Family

Family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping Rick's experiences, as he grapples with his mother's struggles, his father's detachment, and his sister's unconventional life. The film explores the challenges of familial loyalty and the desire to reclaim and repair these relationships during tumultuous times.

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