This movie
created a lot of buzz when it first came out in the states due to its subject
about thirteen’s doing drugs and having sex – If don’t remember incorrectly it
opened top of the opening movies that weekend, anyway someone should have
mention that the movie is much more then a populist exploitation of a in the
adult world taboo subject.
We meet
Tracy a 13 year old girl, in junior high, who still has Barbie’s and teddy’s in
her room until she decide to change and get noted as the hot girl she would
like to be (typical 13 in other words), she befriends Evie, the schools most
popular girl. Together they become a inseparable dynamic duo and having fun,
but the movie takes a darker turn as they drag themselves further into drug and
crime – same time Tracy constantly experience the typical
teen anxiety.
This
leaving Tracy’s mom powerless and desperate as we get small glimse into her own
past, on the other hand Tracy’s dad is not present in her life to busy with his
own successful life, just like Evie care-taker, her aunt.
The movie
offers a realistic and well played view into growing up in almost any urban
town today, for many (at least adults) this may be a chocking experience and
for some maybe a relief to see that know their teens are not that extraordinary. That the script was co-written by
13 year old actress Nikki Reeds is probably what gives it an extra authentic
feel, but I haven’t really put much consideration into that in this review.
Except for
the fantastic acting achievements from the entire crew (should have been given
Oscars) it’s a noteworthy pice of moviemaking. The tempo of the cutting varies
along the mood of the characters and the selection of music is commendable.
With a
strong cast, great story, and all in all well made I can not find anything to
put my finger on really – it is that good. It never becomes zappy, it never
goes pretentious it just present a believable and in your face honest story
about how it can be to grow up to day.
It is a
must see for any parent, teacher, and I think it would hurt preteens to see it
as well. For movie lovers it’s also as I already pointed out a well made
independent film that should find place in your collection. The movie might give
a kick to parents about take time to get more involved in their kids life, but
it is never judgemental – and it never preaches moral. Verdict 8/10
DVD extra
features: not much extra material here out of the ordinary, big plus for nice
menu design and cool background music loop. Doubble sided disc with both original cinema aspect ratio, and tv aspect.
Starring:
Holly Hunter, Evan Rachel Wood, Nikki Reed
Director: Catherine
Hardwicke
Written by:
Catherine Hardwicke and Nikki Reed.
Released
by: Twentieth Century Fox
Production:
Antiedote Films / Fox Searchlight / Working Title / Michael London Productions
