Despite its rather salacious title, this is a light teen dramedy. Unless you're an old coot, you'll probably find it likeable. It isn't so good on developing characters or situations smoothly, though. When you view it, you get the feeling that you've been running back and forth to the kitchen even if you've been sitting down watching the whole time. This is one of those films that counts a great deal on your liking the characters, and they are appealing enough. Jennifer Connelly is the heartthrob of many, I know, but I've always liked the more obscure Maddie Corman. The teens get most of the screen time without a lot of intrusions from those pesky grown-ups. Is it just me or did most of the young males look an awful lot alike?
24 Reviews
awkward teenage drama
SnoopyStyle3 June 2016
Ohio teen Natalie Becker (Jennifer Connelly) is home alone while her father is away for work. Her longtime friend Jeff Moran stays with her after another fight with his stepfather. Her friend Polly Franklin likes James Casey III but he starts dating Natalie. Then Polly encounters pro baseball player Zoo Knudson and she pretends to be 18. It's a lot of awkward teenage romantic attempts for the three friends.
The main reason to see this is Connelly. She's a bit awkward and new at the time. It's too bad that she never got into the John Hughes teen movies until Career Opportunities. This is not the best of the high school genre. The main problem is the construction. These three best friends are rarely in the same scene together. They get scattered. They need more scenes together to build chemistry and manufacture confrontations. The situations are a little edgy sexually. The characters are compelling but the drama stutters along the way.
The main reason to see this is Connelly. She's a bit awkward and new at the time. It's too bad that she never got into the John Hughes teen movies until Career Opportunities. This is not the best of the high school genre. The main problem is the construction. These three best friends are rarely in the same scene together. They get scattered. They need more scenes together to build chemistry and manufacture confrontations. The situations are a little edgy sexually. The characters are compelling but the drama stutters along the way.
So sweet and really nostalgic
dance_passion8323 March 2006
First off, I'm a huge fan of 80s movies, and of Jennifer Conelly as well. So yesterday, I wandered into a local used book/movie store and found a VHS copy. I read the back and it sounded good and for $3.99, it was a good deal. So I took it home and popped it in the VCR. What a sweet movie! At my age now, I relate more to movies like About Last Night or St. Elmo's Fire, but still I remember what it was like to be 15/16 and in love with an older guy, etc. We all have those little crushes when we're younger. And if it doesn't work out, we're heartbroken and we think that we'll never get over it. But of course we do. Many times. It's that sort of sweet quality that I really got from this movie. The feeling of "Oooh! I remember when something like that happened to me..." is all through it. The characters are interesting and well-developed. I recommend it to anyone who likes 80s movies, teen films in particular, or to anyone who just wants to go back and remember a simpler time in their lives.
A rare teen gem!
GOWBTW2 December 2013
While other 80's teen movies get all the glory, this movie is worth taking a good looking into. "Seven Minutes in Heaven" is an angst on the art of coming of age. Most of the themes is love, sex, and relationships that come and go. Here you got Natalie(Jennifer Connelly) a brilliant, yet independent student who lets her friend Jeff(Byron Thames) stay at her house after a big fight with his stepfather(Marshall Bell). Then there's Polly(Maddie Corman) who has the toughest time in school finding a boyfriend. So what does she do? Falls in love worth a baseball player from New York named Zoo(Billy Wirth) . Well, when Natalie dates one of Jeff's friends, she discovered he is anything but faithful. And Polly meeting with Zoo doesn't go the way she wished for. All the pandemonium is going on all around. Jeff's mother tries her best to bring her son home, and make a connection with the new stepfather. As for Natalie, she just need to open up, and be more forward with everyone. She lost her mother to leukemia. Polly on the other hand needs to be happy with herself and be true to herself. Yes, it's a pain to be goofy, but chasing the winds can make you more miserable. It's a fun movie, should be used for educational purposes in my opinion. Not too raunchy, very subtle. A keeper in the books. 2 out of 5 stars.
A forgotten 1980s coming-of-age comedy starring Jennifer Connelly
waba-se-wasca12 September 2016
This is one of those movies that is largely forgotten nowadays. 'Seven Minutes in Heaven' is the only feature film that Linda Feferman ever directed and it was in competition for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival 1986. It didn't win that award but it did receive the 'Special Jury Recognition for Youth Comedy' at the festival that year.
Admittedly, the plot of 'Seven Minutes in Heaven' is average at best and typical for a comedy of the era, but it is still a decent coming-of-age movie thanks to its rather strong main cast of genuine teenage actors. Jennifer Connelly is as sweet as always and Maddie Corman is equally delightful. Byron Thames is also great in the role of the somewhat quirky guy. I wonder why he didn't get more roles in 1980s comedies after this one. It's nice to see Marshall Bell, an accomplished and widely recognized character actor, in a small supporting role.
By the way, 'Seven Minutes in Heaven' was released on DVD in 2010 as part of the Warner Archive Collection. The picture quality of the transfer used for that DVD is surprisingly good for an archival release of a rather obscure movie made in 1985.
Admittedly, the plot of 'Seven Minutes in Heaven' is average at best and typical for a comedy of the era, but it is still a decent coming-of-age movie thanks to its rather strong main cast of genuine teenage actors. Jennifer Connelly is as sweet as always and Maddie Corman is equally delightful. Byron Thames is also great in the role of the somewhat quirky guy. I wonder why he didn't get more roles in 1980s comedies after this one. It's nice to see Marshall Bell, an accomplished and widely recognized character actor, in a small supporting role.
By the way, 'Seven Minutes in Heaven' was released on DVD in 2010 as part of the Warner Archive Collection. The picture quality of the transfer used for that DVD is surprisingly good for an archival release of a rather obscure movie made in 1985.
Not bad
spkelsekladden17 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This is a cute little chick flick. Jennifer Connelly stars in this cute little teen chick flick of girls growing up and falling in love The film is full of cute little awkward moments from a girl's point of view I guess. But I found it a bit disturbing that they portray every male older than school level as a predator on the hunt for young girls. They don't dare go full out with it, but they imply it every time an adult come into the picture, which don't have kids. The shrink, the baseball player, the politicians, almost everyone only; with the exception for a journalist But I think Jennifer look and act really well and mature, for her young age, her character looks and acts like someone who have decided what they wanna be when they grow up, but haven't yet realized that things don't always turn out that way But I feel they could have dug deeper into the characters. *****spoilers ******** spoilers
I also found it a bit stupid that in the end the Jeff character just all of a sudden got along with he's stepfather, with out any explanation as to why, considering they had been butting heads since start, they should have included a scene or two that showed what compromises they had come to, especially since Jeff's parents, in particular he's stepfather was trying to control he's life down to the smallest details. I got the impression they wore trying to tell me that your parents are always right and you should just blind obey them and accept their rules The scene where Jeff wakes up next to Jennifer's father in bed was a bit stupid and unrealistic. How would he not notice that there was another person in the bed, which was a bed he was to have all to him self? That scene seemed kind of rushed and weary little planed to fit in with the rest story line
I also found it a bit stupid that in the end the Jeff character just all of a sudden got along with he's stepfather, with out any explanation as to why, considering they had been butting heads since start, they should have included a scene or two that showed what compromises they had come to, especially since Jeff's parents, in particular he's stepfather was trying to control he's life down to the smallest details. I got the impression they wore trying to tell me that your parents are always right and you should just blind obey them and accept their rules The scene where Jeff wakes up next to Jennifer's father in bed was a bit stupid and unrealistic. How would he not notice that there was another person in the bed, which was a bed he was to have all to him self? That scene seemed kind of rushed and weary little planed to fit in with the rest story line
the movie
king-3512 August 1999
this movie was a simple story well acted film.connelly was very lovable and likeable .the warmth she shows in this character is remarkable considering her age most actresses half her age cannot show the depth she showed in this film.all three leads were very good the female best friend showed such a comic edge in her character she is extremely likeable and very funny. this movie is simple and done well.the teens seem like real teens not the kind that save the planet or treat their parents like morons but true life teenagers that are just normal kids awakening to adulthood .if you remember being a teen or are one watch this movie
Cute little coming of age comedy
goya-41 October 2001
Jennifer Connelly stars as a 15 year old girl who invites her platonic male friend to live in her house. Naturally rumors get started and and her boyfriend isn't too pleased either. A sweet movie that both parent and teen can watch and discuss together. Some brief partial nudity but nothing near what other "teen" movies have in them.
Connelly is gorgeous as always 6 of 10
Connelly is gorgeous as always 6 of 10
A fun 80s coming of age story
ryanlu_1617 January 2022
It's 1980 something in a small town in Ohio when A+ student Natalie (Jennifer Connelly) is home alone while her father is away for a business trip. Meanwhile her longtime friend Jeff ( Byron Thames) gets in another fight with his stepdad and retreats to Natalie's house where they live together. And oh yeah there Polly (Maddie Corman) who is Natalie's boy obsessed best friend who she has a crush on Casey who starts dating Natalie but she quickly forgets about him when she meets pro baseball player Zoo Knudson and pretends to be 18 to try to get in his pants.
I went into this movie knowing nothing so I can't say I was disappointed. Jennifer Connelly and Byron Thames have great chemistry together and play off each other very well. However. Maddie Corman as Polly isn't as great Connelly and Thames but you still get why she, Jeff and Natalie are friends. And her subplot is easily the weakest part of the movie, it's very uninteresting when the movie cuts away from Natalie and Jeff. Also when Polly goes to New York in hoping to meet Zoo she gets kicked out of the stadium and stays with this photographer who tells Polly what it's like to orgasm with a girl and he even kisses her. I get what they were going for in that Polly finally learns that looks aren't everything in a guy but it's just so weird and uncomfortable.
Natalie seems to have an estranged relationship with her dad which was probably caused by her father always being at work and he mother dying when Natalie was young which leads to why her character is so uptight and closed off from people who aren't Jeff and Polly until she meets Casey who is a friend of Jeffs and they start going out. Natalie seems to be a bit uncomfortable with Casey as when Casey obviously tries to have sex with her, but Natalie rejects him. Natalie's main conflict in the story is with the Polly when Polly goes to Natalie's house to see Casey's car outside and Jeff sleeping outside to give Natalie and Casey some privacy and then incorrectly assuming that Casey and Natalie are having sex. Polly at the same time being very mad the Zoo gave her a generic fan-response letter and being jealous that Natalie "isn't a virgin anymore", she begins to resent Natalie and telling Natalie to leave her house when Natalie tells Polly that she gets into stuff too much. During a fire drill Polly calls out to Jeff within hearing distance of Natalie that After that Casey is flirting with Lisa. When Casey admits to seeing Lisa the whole time during their relationship she is heart broken and mad at Jeff for knowing and not telling her about it. But Jeff and Natalie make it up almost immediately after. Natalie then wins a writing competition and goes to Washington DC and meets a White House aid. Natalie going to DC feels very pointless in that it's only in the story to give more time to Polly's subplot in New York. Natalie through out the movie seems to be very uncomfortable with intimacy. It's a good message to that it's okay to reject a kiss or to not have sex.
Jeff is the best of the 3, he's charismatic charming and funny. Jeffs resents his mother for marrying his step-father who is really hard on him because he thinks his way of life is the best life for Jeff but Jeff refuses to do so and always gets into fights with his step-dad. His arc with his step-father seems to be concluded very quickly when in the final scene Jeff is seen playing basketball with his step-dad. I guess you could say Jeffs step-dad felt bad about being so hard on him when they fight in the car but he seemed kind of pissed off that Jeff won't cooperate with him, but it is still sweet to see Jeff get along with his step-father. Also according to the trailer, Jeff likes Polly but I never got the sense of that. I just thought he was just goofing around with her like he does with Natalie. But then again he does almost have sex with her which was also odd to watch because they're minors in the story.
Even though there are flaws in the story I still like this movie very much. The characters are likeable except for Polly when she is begins to think that she is entitled to something like when she gets mad at Natalie for not telling her that she "lost her virginity" but your supposed to not like her in those moments or when Zoo sends her a typed fan-response letter. But you're supposed to dislike her in those moments. This movie was a fun experience and I know that the 5/10 rating may seem low but there's alot of odd scenes, mostly with Polly but there is fun in this movie.
I went into this movie knowing nothing so I can't say I was disappointed. Jennifer Connelly and Byron Thames have great chemistry together and play off each other very well. However. Maddie Corman as Polly isn't as great Connelly and Thames but you still get why she, Jeff and Natalie are friends. And her subplot is easily the weakest part of the movie, it's very uninteresting when the movie cuts away from Natalie and Jeff. Also when Polly goes to New York in hoping to meet Zoo she gets kicked out of the stadium and stays with this photographer who tells Polly what it's like to orgasm with a girl and he even kisses her. I get what they were going for in that Polly finally learns that looks aren't everything in a guy but it's just so weird and uncomfortable.
Natalie seems to have an estranged relationship with her dad which was probably caused by her father always being at work and he mother dying when Natalie was young which leads to why her character is so uptight and closed off from people who aren't Jeff and Polly until she meets Casey who is a friend of Jeffs and they start going out. Natalie seems to be a bit uncomfortable with Casey as when Casey obviously tries to have sex with her, but Natalie rejects him. Natalie's main conflict in the story is with the Polly when Polly goes to Natalie's house to see Casey's car outside and Jeff sleeping outside to give Natalie and Casey some privacy and then incorrectly assuming that Casey and Natalie are having sex. Polly at the same time being very mad the Zoo gave her a generic fan-response letter and being jealous that Natalie "isn't a virgin anymore", she begins to resent Natalie and telling Natalie to leave her house when Natalie tells Polly that she gets into stuff too much. During a fire drill Polly calls out to Jeff within hearing distance of Natalie that After that Casey is flirting with Lisa. When Casey admits to seeing Lisa the whole time during their relationship she is heart broken and mad at Jeff for knowing and not telling her about it. But Jeff and Natalie make it up almost immediately after. Natalie then wins a writing competition and goes to Washington DC and meets a White House aid. Natalie going to DC feels very pointless in that it's only in the story to give more time to Polly's subplot in New York. Natalie through out the movie seems to be very uncomfortable with intimacy. It's a good message to that it's okay to reject a kiss or to not have sex.
Jeff is the best of the 3, he's charismatic charming and funny. Jeffs resents his mother for marrying his step-father who is really hard on him because he thinks his way of life is the best life for Jeff but Jeff refuses to do so and always gets into fights with his step-dad. His arc with his step-father seems to be concluded very quickly when in the final scene Jeff is seen playing basketball with his step-dad. I guess you could say Jeffs step-dad felt bad about being so hard on him when they fight in the car but he seemed kind of pissed off that Jeff won't cooperate with him, but it is still sweet to see Jeff get along with his step-father. Also according to the trailer, Jeff likes Polly but I never got the sense of that. I just thought he was just goofing around with her like he does with Natalie. But then again he does almost have sex with her which was also odd to watch because they're minors in the story.
Even though there are flaws in the story I still like this movie very much. The characters are likeable except for Polly when she is begins to think that she is entitled to something like when she gets mad at Natalie for not telling her that she "lost her virginity" but your supposed to not like her in those moments or when Zoo sends her a typed fan-response letter. But you're supposed to dislike her in those moments. This movie was a fun experience and I know that the 5/10 rating may seem low but there's alot of odd scenes, mostly with Polly but there is fun in this movie.
The Photographer and Polly Scene Was Brilliant
kivaaa-119 October 2017
Oh, my... Can we make a separate movie from the scene with the photographer and Polly? Can somebody make this happen? Pretty please!
The movie overall was okay, it had interesting viewpoints, different from today's teen movies. Yes, teenagers do sleep with other teenagers, flirt with older guys/girls and lie about their age. And it seems to me everybody wants to deny it.
It was also a pleasure to look at all the outfits. I find it funny how I can go shopping now and find the exact same clothes without a hassle.
Overall, if you want to watch something light-hearted, I recommend this movie.
The movie overall was okay, it had interesting viewpoints, different from today's teen movies. Yes, teenagers do sleep with other teenagers, flirt with older guys/girls and lie about their age. And it seems to me everybody wants to deny it.
It was also a pleasure to look at all the outfits. I find it funny how I can go shopping now and find the exact same clothes without a hassle.
Overall, if you want to watch something light-hearted, I recommend this movie.
88 minutes in boredom
mossgrymk23 October 2023
Lots of adjectives like "cute", "sweet" and the always trite "delightful" from my IMDB colleagues below to describe this exercise in teen somnolence. I notice that these descriptors tend to be used on movies like this that neither offend nor provoke but, rather, move pleasantly along until they're done. Kind of like drinking RC Cola. It's ok, but you'd much rather be imbibing a Coke (i.e. John Hughes) or a Pepsi (i.e. Amy Heckerling), and are more than a little annoyed that co writer/director Linda Feferman cannot even manage a decent ripoff of the original 80s teen formula. Nice autumn in Jersey burbs location shooting, though. Solid C.
So cute I wanna hug
umbacka8 October 2003
I originally came across Linda Feferman's Seven Minutes in Heaven when I was 14 and worked at a video store and I loved it. I recently watched the movie again and have realized that it is a lost treasure. The movie stars Jennifer Connelly, almost twenty years before she would go on to win an Oscar for Beautiful Mind, as Natalie Becker. Byron Thames plays her best friend in the world, Jeff Moran. The film is definitely a milder, cuter and softer version of the Pretty in Pink's and Some Kind of Wonderful's of the 1980's, which is exactly why it is so good. It's honest, not forced like those films, and parents will enjoy watching this movie with there kids.
When Natalie's Dad leave home on a business trip, Jeff convinces her that he should move in because his home life sucks. With support from Natalie's friend, Polly, played exquisitely by Maddie Corman, she lets him. But this movie isn't about putting kids in situations and seeing what they can get away with. The three leads are so natural and the script, surprisingly so honest, that what comes through best in their performances is heart breaking. These characters really do care about each other. It's a great film to show to kids who are reaching pre-teen adolescence.
When Natalie's Dad leave home on a business trip, Jeff convinces her that he should move in because his home life sucks. With support from Natalie's friend, Polly, played exquisitely by Maddie Corman, she lets him. But this movie isn't about putting kids in situations and seeing what they can get away with. The three leads are so natural and the script, surprisingly so honest, that what comes through best in their performances is heart breaking. These characters really do care about each other. It's a great film to show to kids who are reaching pre-teen adolescence.
Seven Minutes in Awkward
godbyblood26 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Dear Friends and Family,
I guess if one teen wants to become biblical with another teen, then that's their eternal damnation - just remember kids, "birth control" doesn't mean "oral sex", I don't care what the honor student says. On the other hand, even if the senator's aid quotes himself as a "bit of a romantic guy", he's still only hitting on a high school girl. If she was my sister, I'd eat this guys kneecaps.
Other than that I found out that Mongolians don't kiss the same way the French do and that baseball players named Zoo like delicate undergarments.
I think I'd almost rather watch Richie Rich one more time than suffer the indignity of this slip, slap, slop. Thank you, and good night.
I guess if one teen wants to become biblical with another teen, then that's their eternal damnation - just remember kids, "birth control" doesn't mean "oral sex", I don't care what the honor student says. On the other hand, even if the senator's aid quotes himself as a "bit of a romantic guy", he's still only hitting on a high school girl. If she was my sister, I'd eat this guys kneecaps.
Other than that I found out that Mongolians don't kiss the same way the French do and that baseball players named Zoo like delicate undergarments.
I think I'd almost rather watch Richie Rich one more time than suffer the indignity of this slip, slap, slop. Thank you, and good night.
One of my favorite movies
LuckyFour-LeafClover21 July 2020
I only came across this title by being a fan of Jennifer Connelly. I looked at her film resume and saw this was one of her fist roles. Even back then she had this sort of ethereal quality to her playing a brainy high school student who gets to be meet members of congress in Washington. However overall, this remains one of my favorite movies as it seems to just have an innocent vibe to it being a teenager before Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even the internet. The beautiful filming locations with all the big trees and the leaves add to it. I'm not up with teen movies over the years but I don't think a lot of them portray the kids with as much respect as this film did.
Basically it's a story about teens learning how to grow up in their own ways by making mistakes and the normal conflicts that can develop with parents/step-parents.
It was a nice pleasant surprise as well to see some scenes filmed in the old Shea Stadium in Queens!
Basically it's a story about teens learning how to grow up in their own ways by making mistakes and the normal conflicts that can develop with parents/step-parents.
It was a nice pleasant surprise as well to see some scenes filmed in the old Shea Stadium in Queens!
Enjoyable stuff.
jjparish2 November 2019
Its a standard teen story about first romances, unrequited love and first sort of sexual experiences. Its very sweet with just a bit of raunchiness, mainly from Maddie Corman's character. Connelly's character is chaste, kinda bookish and vulnerable to the temptations of older boys. She is also very beautiful (like a younger sister of phoebe cates) fresh faced and very young looking. Which is no surprise as she was 14 when she made this. Its good to see teens being played by teens for once because i'm way to accustomed to teens on screen being played by actors in their mid 20's. One of the better teen films from the 80's in my opinion.
Very true to life...to be fifteen again....never
ann705 December 1999
I really enjoyed this movie.I was fifteen when this movie came out and I could relate. This will be a movie I would show my kids to let them know, the feelings they are having are normal. It is funny to see how we could be so devestated by things at such a young age..who knew that we would bounce back....again and again....Great movie!!!!
Love them memories!
JmeGrabs6 October 2022
Nothing but the BEST memories every time I watch this! My sister & I still to this day have to let each other know any time one of us is watching it! Lol Just like I'm right there w/them! Jennifer Connelly isn't just beautiful, she's amazing & so is the whole cast. Everyone fits their roll. Great teenage/coming of age, 80's movie, love love IT!! Great flashbacks of middle school & highschool & them darn clothes that we all thought were so awesome hahaha I'd probably wear them still if they came back around?!? So glad I found this movie bcuz I keep watching it almost every other day! Too bad we can't live like we did back then, times were much easier.
Gentle Film
harrytrue2 October 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Considering all the teen films like "the Breakfast Club" and "Pretty In Pink" that are lionized. It is surprising that this one is so ignored.
There is no sex in it, but sex is thought of, including the idea that it may matter what others think about it. The kids do not always get along with their parents, but neither the parents or the kids are seen as always right or wrong, and the parents are not seen as monsters.
It deals with hero-worship. How one girl does a dangerous thing, which could have lead to real dustier, before realizing that she was wrong.
The movie is kind of ahead of its' time. One kid asks another kid what birth control she uses. She says she is doing nothing to need birth control. She replies (wrongly) "oral sex".
There is no sex in it, but sex is thought of, including the idea that it may matter what others think about it. The kids do not always get along with their parents, but neither the parents or the kids are seen as always right or wrong, and the parents are not seen as monsters.
It deals with hero-worship. How one girl does a dangerous thing, which could have lead to real dustier, before realizing that she was wrong.
The movie is kind of ahead of its' time. One kid asks another kid what birth control she uses. She says she is doing nothing to need birth control. She replies (wrongly) "oral sex".
you can't afford to miss this
labyrinth6403 July 2002
I've been a Jennifer Connelly fan since Phenomena, and after I heard about seven minutes in heaven, I saw it as soon as I could. The movie is not only a comedy if you think a lot of these things most of us went through as kids and are currently going through not only was the movie terrific led by the phenomenal jennifer connelly it captivated my attention that this movie was terrifically written directed and acted out it was one good deal I loved it and have watched it again and again and for those of you who enjoy a good laugh or love jennifer connelly you to can not put off seeing this movie!!!!
What the title means
Sheila_Beers23 October 2006
The title of this film is taken from a party game called "Seven Minutes in Heaven." The game was popular among my husband's friends when he was in junior high school in Brooklyn, NY, and he describes it as something like "Spin-the-Bottle," "Lifesaver Relay," and other preteen kissing games. According to the rules, a boy's name and a girl's would be drawn, and the chosen ones ordered to get into a dark closet together and to stay there for seven minutes. In the meantime, there would be speculation among party guests as to whether or not the two had the nerve to hold hands, embrace, and/or kiss each other in the privacy of the closet. At the end of seven minutes, the game leader would say, "Time's up" or knock on the closet door, and the couple would emerge from the closet. After being quizzed by the other guests, the couple would have to admit what they had done during their "Seven Minutes in Heaven." Then other couples would be chosen to enter the closet until all the guests had participated. The couple who admitted to doing the most would be the winners of the game.
Such games have served as social "ice-breakers" for children and teens, but they can be embarrassing and intimidating to shy individuals. The film has been given this title because it deals with the teens' first experiences with crushes and romantic love.
Such games have served as social "ice-breakers" for children and teens, but they can be embarrassing and intimidating to shy individuals. The film has been given this title because it deals with the teens' first experiences with crushes and romantic love.
You can't go wrong
Moovlvr-219 April 1999
A Wonderful,Underrated,Funny Teen/Coming Of Age Comedy-Drama From The 1980s..
jcbutthead8625 November 2013
Seven Minutes In Heaveh is a wonderful,underrated and funny Teen Coming Of Age Comedy Drama that's filled fine direction,a terrific cast,a good script and a great score and soundtrack. All of those combinations make Seven Minutes In Heaven an enjoyable Teen Film from the 1980s.
Seven Minutes In Heaven tells the story of a trio of 15-year-olds and best friends the mature and wise beyond her years Natalie(Jennifer Connelly),Jeff Moran(Bryon James),a kid who has problems with his stepfather and runs away to at Natalie's house and Polly(Maddie Corman),a girl who's crazy about boys. Together,the trio deal with love,friendship and romance that's funny and dramatic.
During the Teen Movie boom of the 1980s there were famous and well known Teen Movies such as The Breakfast Club,Fast Times At Ridgemont High and Ferris Bueller's Day Off that would later become classics while there were other Teen movies that would be obscure and little known but still terrific Teen Films in their own right,Seven Minutes in Heaven fits the latter category because Seven Minutes In Heaven is a movie that many people have not heard of or seen but deserves an audience and while Seven Minutes In Heaven is a Teen/Coming Of Age movie that lacks the great writing and iconic status of the three Teen films I mentioned above the film is still an entertaining,underrated Teen film and one of the better Teen Movies from from the 1980s that isn't a John Hughes movie,a Brat Pack film or a Teen sex Comedy but a small innocent film about love and growing up. One of the things that I like about Seven Minutes In Heaven is the way the film balances out Comedy and Drama while telling a fine and thoughtful story about Coming Of Age with laughs,romance and friendship. The laughs in SMIH are funny because there are moments in the film where the laughs are over the top and surreal and there are moments where the Humor and laughs are true to life and give you a glimpse into teenage life and growing up. But SMIH isn't a laugh fest because like most Teen Films and Coming Of Age films there is moments of drama and seriousness that is well done,realistic and interesting but the film is not too dramatic to make viewers depressed and sad. Another thing I like about SMIH is that the three main characters are played by actual teenagers instead of actors in their 20s,which is known element in Teen movies. With Teen actors playing Teen characters it makes most of the situations and dialog feel real,awkward and true to life. The three main characters Natalie,Jeff and Polly are wonderful characters in this film who are full of depth and emotion because with Natalie,Jeff and Polly all them have to deal with friendship,love and heartbreak while also dealing themselves,their parents and dealing with being caught between childhood and adulthood,trying to be grown ups while remembering that they are still kids. The whole film is not only an examination of teenage love and romance but also an examination of Natalie,Jeff and Polly and it the relationships between the trio makes the film work and if you are or were and Teenager you will relate to the three of them. The screenplay by Jane Bernstein and director Linda Feferman is good,with Bernstein and Feferman giving the characters dialog that is funny and memorable. The ending of Seven Minutes In Heaven is terrific and will make smile because the ending makes Natalie,Jeff and Polly's relationship stronger and greater. Nice ending.
The whole cast is great. Jennifer Connolly is excellent and beautiful as Natalie,with Connolly bringing humor and depth to the role. Bryon Thames is wonderful and hilarious as Jeff,Natalie and Polly's friend. Maddie Corman is fantastic as Polly,a girl who's boy crazy. Alan Boyce does a good job as James Casey,Natalie's boyfriend. Polly Draper(Aileen Moran Jones)and Marshall Bell(Gerry Jones)give great performances as Jeff's Mother and Stepfather. Billy Wirth does a fine job as Zoo Knudsen,a Baseball player Polly likes. Terry Kinney is outstanding as Bill,a photographer Polly meets. Michael Zaslow(Bob Becker,Natalie's Father),Spalding Gray(Dr. Rodney),Michael Higgins(Senator Henry Petersen),Paul Martell(Williams,White House Aide)and Margo Skinner(Lenore Frankin,Polly's Mother)give good performances as well.
The direction by Linda Feferman is good and simple,with Feferman occasionally moving the camera giving the film a nice tone and atmosphere. Fine direction,Feferman
The score by Robert Kraft is fantastic,beautiful and goes with the tone of the film. Wonderful score,Kraft. There is also terrific songs in the film by Josie Aiello such as Dear You,Ready or Not,Inner Logic and Little Boy Sweet. Good songs,Aiello.
In final word,if you love Teen Movies or Coming Of Age Film,I highly suggest you see Seven Minutes In Heaven,a wonderful,underrated and funny Teen/Coming Of Age Film that you will enjoy watching from beginning to end. Highly Recommended. 9.5/10.
Seven Minutes In Heaven tells the story of a trio of 15-year-olds and best friends the mature and wise beyond her years Natalie(Jennifer Connelly),Jeff Moran(Bryon James),a kid who has problems with his stepfather and runs away to at Natalie's house and Polly(Maddie Corman),a girl who's crazy about boys. Together,the trio deal with love,friendship and romance that's funny and dramatic.
During the Teen Movie boom of the 1980s there were famous and well known Teen Movies such as The Breakfast Club,Fast Times At Ridgemont High and Ferris Bueller's Day Off that would later become classics while there were other Teen movies that would be obscure and little known but still terrific Teen Films in their own right,Seven Minutes in Heaven fits the latter category because Seven Minutes In Heaven is a movie that many people have not heard of or seen but deserves an audience and while Seven Minutes In Heaven is a Teen/Coming Of Age movie that lacks the great writing and iconic status of the three Teen films I mentioned above the film is still an entertaining,underrated Teen film and one of the better Teen Movies from from the 1980s that isn't a John Hughes movie,a Brat Pack film or a Teen sex Comedy but a small innocent film about love and growing up. One of the things that I like about Seven Minutes In Heaven is the way the film balances out Comedy and Drama while telling a fine and thoughtful story about Coming Of Age with laughs,romance and friendship. The laughs in SMIH are funny because there are moments in the film where the laughs are over the top and surreal and there are moments where the Humor and laughs are true to life and give you a glimpse into teenage life and growing up. But SMIH isn't a laugh fest because like most Teen Films and Coming Of Age films there is moments of drama and seriousness that is well done,realistic and interesting but the film is not too dramatic to make viewers depressed and sad. Another thing I like about SMIH is that the three main characters are played by actual teenagers instead of actors in their 20s,which is known element in Teen movies. With Teen actors playing Teen characters it makes most of the situations and dialog feel real,awkward and true to life. The three main characters Natalie,Jeff and Polly are wonderful characters in this film who are full of depth and emotion because with Natalie,Jeff and Polly all them have to deal with friendship,love and heartbreak while also dealing themselves,their parents and dealing with being caught between childhood and adulthood,trying to be grown ups while remembering that they are still kids. The whole film is not only an examination of teenage love and romance but also an examination of Natalie,Jeff and Polly and it the relationships between the trio makes the film work and if you are or were and Teenager you will relate to the three of them. The screenplay by Jane Bernstein and director Linda Feferman is good,with Bernstein and Feferman giving the characters dialog that is funny and memorable. The ending of Seven Minutes In Heaven is terrific and will make smile because the ending makes Natalie,Jeff and Polly's relationship stronger and greater. Nice ending.
The whole cast is great. Jennifer Connolly is excellent and beautiful as Natalie,with Connolly bringing humor and depth to the role. Bryon Thames is wonderful and hilarious as Jeff,Natalie and Polly's friend. Maddie Corman is fantastic as Polly,a girl who's boy crazy. Alan Boyce does a good job as James Casey,Natalie's boyfriend. Polly Draper(Aileen Moran Jones)and Marshall Bell(Gerry Jones)give great performances as Jeff's Mother and Stepfather. Billy Wirth does a fine job as Zoo Knudsen,a Baseball player Polly likes. Terry Kinney is outstanding as Bill,a photographer Polly meets. Michael Zaslow(Bob Becker,Natalie's Father),Spalding Gray(Dr. Rodney),Michael Higgins(Senator Henry Petersen),Paul Martell(Williams,White House Aide)and Margo Skinner(Lenore Frankin,Polly's Mother)give good performances as well.
The direction by Linda Feferman is good and simple,with Feferman occasionally moving the camera giving the film a nice tone and atmosphere. Fine direction,Feferman
The score by Robert Kraft is fantastic,beautiful and goes with the tone of the film. Wonderful score,Kraft. There is also terrific songs in the film by Josie Aiello such as Dear You,Ready or Not,Inner Logic and Little Boy Sweet. Good songs,Aiello.
In final word,if you love Teen Movies or Coming Of Age Film,I highly suggest you see Seven Minutes In Heaven,a wonderful,underrated and funny Teen/Coming Of Age Film that you will enjoy watching from beginning to end. Highly Recommended. 9.5/10.
were do i find that darn artist who sangs dear you"
toms_9inches13 February 2007
This movie rocks" Jen sexy as ever and Polly wow were we really ever that young this movie can still touch the hearts of a lot of teens it needs to be put on DVD soon or it will become a classic. i Really enjoyed growing up to this movie i have always had a crush on Jen now i am too old but to this movie is made for all gens> you know i come from the early 80,s area were i Had to watch everyone els live the life i wanted but thru movies i can do that all over again i guess in short i am hoping and wishing that this movie not be lost in time but reborn to the youth so they may enjoy the heart warm filling you get learning about hormones and datting problems and how to get away with stuff that seems so major back then but don't mean nothan now so this movie is a dating tool.
Seventy minutes for hymen (web)
leplatypus28 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
It was awkward for me to follow this movie, being as a french hard of hearing and without subtitles. If i didn't get the precise facts of all the stories, i understood it was about teens without parental supervision and who try to maybe not have their first experience but at least their first flirt ! Honestly, it was not very gripping as the stories themselves seem a bit ridiculous (a baseball star, a trip to DC,..). On the other hand, it has a good historical value : being a teen also in the 80s, the movie shows it was a great time for that in all fields (technology, fashion, events)! Next, Jenny is at the beginning of her career and it's cool to to get back time with her and imagine the great friend she was in high school !
Sadly with this one, i reach the end of her cinematography for now : for a perspective with 17 movies in 3 months, i can say that Jenny, unlike others, has the better taste for picking her movies : sure she did stinkers (« hulk », « dark city », « beautiful mind », « dilemma ») but overall all her other choices were always challenging in a way. Like a few others fans, i appreciate more the young, chubby Jenny over the actual slim one : Along her evolution, it's like Jenny has lost her simplicity, her kindness : now she is less candid, more anxious. Maybe that's the point of being old !
Sadly with this one, i reach the end of her cinematography for now : for a perspective with 17 movies in 3 months, i can say that Jenny, unlike others, has the better taste for picking her movies : sure she did stinkers (« hulk », « dark city », « beautiful mind », « dilemma ») but overall all her other choices were always challenging in a way. Like a few others fans, i appreciate more the young, chubby Jenny over the actual slim one : Along her evolution, it's like Jenny has lost her simplicity, her kindness : now she is less candid, more anxious. Maybe that's the point of being old !
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