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The Teen Critic
by Yahoo! Movies User (movies profile)
May 31, 2008
124
of
132 people found this review helpful
Middle School. A time when you want to lock up yourself in a room and die if you're not labelled "cool" at school. We've all been through it and this movie shows the reason why our parents hold us back sometimes before we go to far.
Many people have commented that they can not relate to this movie and its just a crappy teen-angst movie written by a thirteen year old. Well lucky you. For some of us, like myself, this movie was reality. I had friends that as soon as they turned 13 started going to unsupervised dances, smoking, drinking, dressed provocatively and went to far in relationships that it became a neccessity. They did pressure me but luckily I refused. And I didn't live in LA. I was living in Australia. So this movie shows a theme that is worldwide not just in America.
Back to the movie. Although the plot was a bit cliche because we've seen it before. -Good girl in a screwed up family goes bad because she's tired of being perfect when her life seems pointless.- At thirteen some of us may have been Tracy, some of us may have been friends with a Tracy. The film is all about how one day Tracy meets the coolest girl in middle school, Evie, and her whole life seems fun again because she's cool now. If you consider sex, provacative clothes, stealing, drinking and breaking the law in every way a thirteen year old can think of is fun. Evie also comes from a screwed up family so all the sudden Tracy has a friend that can relate to her life. Her mother is a recovering alcoholic and it takes her awhile to realize that her daughter is changing...not in a good way. Her father is never there and new men keep entering Tracy's life because of her mother and it drives her mad. The rest will make parents want to hold hands with their teenager until he/she goes to college.
Holly Hunter reveals just why she is an Academy Award actress. After recieving an Oscar in "The Piano" I wouldn't be surprised if she won one in "Thirteen". Her acting is so real and believable.
But none shine like Evan Rachel Wood. Fans of TV show "Once and Again" will recognize this young actress and see how much she has grown. She truly made me believe she was Tracy and her emotions became my emotions. The mother-daughter moments between her and Holly were so dramatic but so REAL because of their chemistry. If "Thirteen" does make it to the Oscars I hope Evan wins one or is at least nominated because she is what a young actress really is. From the past movies she's done to now, I see her having a great future in film and will be rewarded with an Oscar like her on screen mother.
I do not suggest that teenagers see this movie with their parents. It will be very uneasy sitting next to them in this movie. But since its R-rated, maybe you should just wait until it's out on video.
Parents I HIGHLY suggest you see this but do not freak out! As long as you love your teenager and let her/him have some independence but are still within reach than your teen will not become a Tracy. How do I know that? I was 13 four years ago and I never was the extreme Tracy because my parents gave me enough space to survive with and without them.
Sorry this critique became both a film review and a life lesson. |
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