How, I struggle for my craft! Besides being the only male in the theater for this one, I'm sure that I was about half the median age (never thought I'd ever use that Math term in normal conversation) of the other viewers. Still can't complain, I guess. I got phone numbers. Okay, enough with the jokes! The movie is a pretty solid drama that kinda plays like Pleasantville meets Fried Green Tomatoes. I believe that this is the movie that required Ms. Lohan to receive a letter reminding her to show up on time for work and not suffering from the latent effects of alcohol poisoning. The letter was leaked (surprise, surprise) and smeared Lindsay's already tarnished public image. That's a shame, because she does a very good job playing a spoiled, sexually aggressive, and very confused, teenager. How hard of an acting job was that for her? OK, OK, now, I'm done with the jokes! She holds her own alongside far more seasoned performers. Mulroney, Elwes and Fonda are very good, while Huffman and Hedlund struggled to keep up with the fast company here. The story is good and not as predictable as these films usually are.
Lindsay Lohan is Rachael, a temperamental, rich LA teenager sent by her struggling mother (Huffman) to a primarily Mormon town to stay with her estranged and rigid grandmother/drill sergeant, Georgia, played by Fonda. The interplay between these two personalities would be a story in itself, and that is actually what I had expected. Instead, there are all kinds of family and personal issues for Rachael to figure out and one big question that everyone needs settled. Plus, all these darn men just keep getting in the way. There is actually too much story here and forces director, Marshall to come to quick and superficial solutions, even compared to other dramas of this type. I guess it was either that or turn it into a trilogy and we all know how much Hollywood hates to do that.
Drama fans and bonding women looking to share popcorn and a tissue will enjoy this one (though you will probably not need the tissue), while most men would probably rather wait in the car.
This work was first posted on realmoviereview
