SincereFinest
disgusting, overrated, pointless
Whitech
It is not only a funny movie, but it allows a great amount of joy for anyone who watches it.
Portia Hilton
Blistering performances.
sheriefryan
*spoiler alert*, you have been warned. I think this movie is incredibly under rated. The acting is great and the story is well developed. It puts things on there for a reason and not for display. For instance It shows various scenes of Jessie being unclothed in some bits but only because it's her character, when I look at her nude scenes I don't think "Oh it's sexy" I think, what is wrong with her? that is convincing acting. The characters are well developed and the things like nudity, violence and drugs are not glamorized like other suburban movies. The characters don't feel like complete card board such as movies like 13 and/or step up 2. It has 3D ring to it and you feel the characters. Anyhow If I was to rate this movie I would give it a 6.5 to be fair.
astro129
I caught this movie on cable. I was pleasantly surprised how good it was given the relatively unknown actors. The teens' dialogue seemed realistic and the depiction of the home life felt authentic. It came close to being "cliche ridden" but never quite got there. I presume the director had real life experience with the subject matter. I found myself caring about the characters. However, I wish there would have been at least one positive male role model. It was great to see Gaius Charles - who was terrific in Friday Night Lights - in a different role. In addition, Leslie Uggams did a nice job. For "The Wire" fans, there was a cameo by an actor who had a meaty role in that excellent series.
richard_busman
I really resonated with how the family relationships or lack of support, neglect affected the behaviors. I found this a wonderful example of the power of upbringing to move you forward or leave you empty. I guess it's what I also struggle with and so that's why I really felt this movie. I'm supposed to include ten lines here to get my review posted...hmmm. So much for a little succinct clarity. I also enjoyed the way the story was told. I think the writer and directory, who of course are the same, created a heart felt story without going over the top. She developed the characters and I really empathized with them. I'm almost to ten, there.
MonicaMingo
I just returned home from seeing this movie at the E Street Landmark theater in DC. It was a coming of age movie the likes I've never seen and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the story unfold.I loved the use of DC as the backdrop and I felt the story and the characters were very well developed. I wanted to know more and I felt for all the characters even when they were doing something that upset me.Good job Ms. Abt and everyone involved!Gosh...I really didn't have anything else to say but I guess I'll keep typing until IMDb tells me that my review contains enough lines to be submitted. I hope this is all I need.
