gileadgrrl13 Reviews

Normal Adolescent Behavior (2007)

A movie that uses sex to show relationships, not sensationalism

[9/10 · 16 September 2007]

I was astounded by the very negative reviews I read here, I thought the movie Normal Adolescent Behavior was fantastic. The use of the group-sex pact I thought, really showed how people grow up and evolve. While some viewers may say it was over-the-top, I have to disagree, although the situation is pretty unusual, those kinds of things happen every once and a while, things that sound so bizarre, parents don't even take the rumors seriously. It was so thought-provoking, days after seeing this film I kept analyzing what relationships really mean, a major theme of the movie. You see how with all of these so-called "liberated" sexual practices in teen culture, such as nameless sex partners and girls going down on boys for status hurts teens' ability to have healthy sexual relationships. I, as a highschooler can also vouch that things such as the party scenes are not unrealistic, just kept very quiet. I talked to my mother about the issues of this film, and any movie that can spark discussions between teenagers and adults about sex, I think, is a good thing.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

A classic love story told in a timeless way.

[9/10 · 16 March 2007]

The story of Elizabeth Bennet is fraught with the complications of her time, her lower rank, her position as a woman and her own severe independence that makes her character as alive and realistic as any modern heroine. Mr. Darcy is the closed-off upperclassmen that becomes bewitched by her in a way that she nor he ever intended. They start out with mutual disdain, Elizabeth thinking him proud and arrogant and Darcy seeing her as simple and difficult, but as they continuously are thrown together by situations, Darcy sees her for the bright personality she is. Their tale is portrayed during eighteenth century England, complete with mesmerizing sets and enchanting classical music that flows through the film easily. Both Knightley and Macfadyed are exquisite in their starring roles, playing off one another in such a pleasing way, the subtleties and range they bring a delight to watch. If you enjoy romances with fierce heroines and laugh-out-loud witty dialog, you will love the captivating story of a woman who does not fade away in the supposedly dreary station of her life, beautiful, passionate, and sexy in the way only a sexless Jane Austen movie can be.

Trust (1990)

A pregnant high-school dropout and an isolated intellectual loner form a bond.

[9/10 · 12 October 2006]

What I loved most about this movie, is the evolution of the characters, how Maria started out very (to me) unlikeable and then became an interesting person. The script is taut and at times laugh-out-loud funny, Maria's estranged relationship with her mother, adds a more serious tone but the banter between the two main characters in always captivating. It is fast-paced and realistic, the relationship between the characters feels so pure and the ending is definitely worth the film. Trust has some truly quotable lines in it, mostly from Matthew's witty observations of modern life and Maria's naivety. If you are looking for a wonderfully executed comedy-drama, Trust is for you!