Big Girls Don't Cry... They Get Even (1992)

A girl fed up with her quirky, disfunctional family runs away from home, casusing all of them to spend time with eachother.

Director:

Joan Micklin Silver

Writers:

Frank Mugavero (story), Mark Goddard (story),

Stars:

Griffin Dunne, Dan Futterman, Patricia Kalember

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Griffin Dunne	...	David
Dan Futterman	...	Josh
Patricia Kalember	...	Barbara
Jenny Lewis	...	Corinne
Ben Savage	...	Sam
Jessica Seely	...	Jessie
Adrienne Shelly	...	Stephanie
David Strathairn	...	Keith
Trenton Teigen	...	Kurt
Margaret Whitton	...	Melinda
Hillary Wolf	...	Laura Chartoff
Sean Blackman	...	Runaway Boy #1
Joe D'Angerio	...	Mr. Zordani
Cory Danziger	...	Leonard
Leslie Kendall Dye	...	Melissa (as Leslie Engelberg)

Storyline

Laura's parents divorced when she was eight. Now, at thirteen, she lives with her mother, her stepfather, two stepbrothers, a stepsister, and a half-brother. She used to visit her father, stepmother (third stepmother) and half-sister, but now *another* divorce is in the works, so Laura visits her father and his pregnant girlfriend -- who's only six years older than she is. Who should she feel loyalty to? And is it any wonder she wants to run away from home?

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Plot Keywords:

divorce | girl | stepfather | dysfunctional family | breaking the fourth wall | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 May 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dall'oggi al domani

Filming Locations:

Arroyo-Seco Ranger District, Angeles National Forest, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Line Cinema, MG Entertainment, Perlman Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

As Laura is taking a picture of the Smith family (when she first meets them), she is holding the camera vertically in one shot, and then horizontally in the next.

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Quotes

Laura Chartoff: He's the nicest guy though, ask anyone, but the thing is, he's almost 40, looks like he's 30, thinks like he's 20, and acts like he's 10. He's fun to play board games with.

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Connections

References The Brady Bunch (1969)

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Soundtracks

"Give The Kid A Break"
Written by Gary Frost
Performed by 1927
Courtesy of Atlantic Records

User Reviews

An Underrated Gem

I have always found this film an enjoyable and fun movie that uses satire to deliver some profound insights into modern American blended families. The film focuses on Laura Chartoff (Hillary Wolf), a delightfully sarcastic and self aware preteen and her dysfunctional family. Laura hates the family situation she has been forced into, but also finds she doesn't know how to convey this to either of her divorced parents, self absorbed and materialistic Melinda (Margaret Whitton) and well meaning but inarticulate David (Griffin Dunne).

After a particularly nasty fight with her mom and stepdad,Keith(David Strathairn) Laura runs away with her stepbrother Josh (Dan Futterman),who is estranged from the family. Soon all of Laura's family arrive at the lake house where she and Josh have been staying, and she takes off again, believing Josh has betrayed her trust.

In the days that follow, Laura will discover some fundamental truths about family as she makes her way alone in the world. Meanwhile,back at the lake, Laura's various family members-parents, stepparents,and siblings all come to realizations about their relationships that are alternately funny, touching, and poignant.

This is truly a great film which few people even know about-an underrated gem. Filled with vibrant performances-especially by the wonderful Dan Futterman, by Patricia Kalembar as Laura's beloved stepmother, Barbara, and by a pre-"Boy Meets World" Ben Savage as Laura's know-it-all half brother, Sam. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie. You won't be disappointed.