How to Be Really Bad (2018)

How to Be Really Bad has a mischievous, fairy-tale spark: a teen comedy that flips the “temptation” story into something surprisingly sweet, powered by sharp timing and a premise that’s instantly fun. Emma Bading makes Lilith more than a gimmick—she’s all bravado and boredom with just enough vulnerability to keep you rooting for her, while the small-town setting and school-day rhythms give the movie an easy, relatable bounce. The dialogue feels age-true without trying too hard, and the humor leans into pranks, awkward crush energy, and a gentle tug-of-war between being “bad” and being human. It won’t convert you if you’re allergic to light, family-friendly mischief with a moral center, but if you want a charming, upbeat teen romp with a devilish twist, it’s a very pleasant surprise.

How to Be Really Bad wants to be a cheeky teen comedy with a “devil’s daughter on Earth” hook, mixing mischief, first crush jitters, and a gentle message about friendship. The problem is it plays things very safe: the plot hits predictable beats, the rules of its own world bend whenever the script needs them to, and the “rebellion” is mostly mild pranks dressed up as hell-raising. If you’re expecting something sharp, dark, or genuinely edgy, this will feel like a tame TV-movie version of a much naughtier idea. Still, the young cast is likable and the tone stays light, so it can work as an easy, family-friendly-ish watch if you don’t demand originality or bite.