51 reviews
Seen at Toronto International Film Festival
This movie is done very well and definitely engaging to watch, but perhaps not quite to my taste.
This is a movie about a tight group of 4 children -- a precocious girl, an overweight boy, and twin brothers, the more out-going who is killed in an accident. The funeral starts the journey of understanding the lives of the remaining 3 -- not only how the family deals with the murdered son/brother, but how the overweight boy deals with his obesity, and how the young girl deals with her mother and absent father.
The heart of the movie really revolves around these near teenagers, and as a result, the coming-of-age experiences are highlighted. At times, I laughed awkwardly, probably out of embarrassment for one of the characters. Nothing wrong with this -- in fact, it's probably what the director was trying to achieve. I was also pulled into the bizarre logic the brother was going through -- through talks with his parents, and even more poignant, some of the very personal kid-to-kid conversations. The visual clues and the inter-actions to parents were all well chosen to create characters that were believable, 3-dimensional and full of conflict. Kudos to the director and actors on this fine work. In particular, the precocious young girl (Zoe Weizenbaum) was well-cast in a very strong, conflicted and convincing performance.
Overall -- well done. This is one of the best 'pre-teen-angst' movies I've seen in a long time.
This is a movie about a tight group of 4 children -- a precocious girl, an overweight boy, and twin brothers, the more out-going who is killed in an accident. The funeral starts the journey of understanding the lives of the remaining 3 -- not only how the family deals with the murdered son/brother, but how the overweight boy deals with his obesity, and how the young girl deals with her mother and absent father.
The heart of the movie really revolves around these near teenagers, and as a result, the coming-of-age experiences are highlighted. At times, I laughed awkwardly, probably out of embarrassment for one of the characters. Nothing wrong with this -- in fact, it's probably what the director was trying to achieve. I was also pulled into the bizarre logic the brother was going through -- through talks with his parents, and even more poignant, some of the very personal kid-to-kid conversations. The visual clues and the inter-actions to parents were all well chosen to create characters that were believable, 3-dimensional and full of conflict. Kudos to the director and actors on this fine work. In particular, the precocious young girl (Zoe Weizenbaum) was well-cast in a very strong, conflicted and convincing performance.
Overall -- well done. This is one of the best 'pre-teen-angst' movies I've seen in a long time.
Well scripted and engaging
This movie touches on a series of issues troubling America today seen thru the eyes of it's youth. The film shows us that problems in areas such as violence, guns, race issues and obesity are no longer limited to adults but play an active part amongst young people as well. The film centers around a group of 12 year old friends and their families. All with different problems which reflect on their parents short comings. The script is very well written and the acting is quite extraordinary throughout the entire film. The only real problem is that the movie feels a little too short, but perhaps it's better to quit while ones ahead. I'd recommend this film to anyone with an interest in human nature and all it's flaws.
- daedaluseticarus
- Jul 2, 2007
- Permalink
Profound and Perplexing
Michael Cuesta (who previously directed the slick and grotesquely controversial "L.I.E" and is currently one of the masterminds behind Showtime's wildly entertaining and grotesque "Dexter") treads some very dangerous ground with "Twelve and Holding." Working with a solid script focusing on how three best friends cope with the accidental death of another friend (the more popular twin brother of one of the protagonists), he presents pre-adolescent characters with the psychologically complex motives of adults and we witness their pratfalls, tragedies, and heart wrenching moments in a the same type of voyeuristic manner usually reserved for more mature characters and audiences. Elements of classics like "Stand by Me" keep the film grounded even as some of the plot developments get a bit far-fetched.
The acting is a huge plus here, with Annabella Sciora (getting more and more enchanting and beautiful with age), Jayne Atkinson (brutal, honest, and gut-wrenching as the grieving mother of the dead child), and Connor Donovan (in duel leads as the dead boy and his conflicted twin brother) highlighting the excellent ensemble. Cuesta's surprisingly subtle direction somehow manages to avoid both the salacious tendencies of a Larry Clark film and the annoyingly overt quirkiness of similarly themed films like "Me and You and Everyone we Know" to deliver a profound and perplexing tale of coming-of-age, revenge and loneliness.
The acting is a huge plus here, with Annabella Sciora (getting more and more enchanting and beautiful with age), Jayne Atkinson (brutal, honest, and gut-wrenching as the grieving mother of the dead child), and Connor Donovan (in duel leads as the dead boy and his conflicted twin brother) highlighting the excellent ensemble. Cuesta's surprisingly subtle direction somehow manages to avoid both the salacious tendencies of a Larry Clark film and the annoyingly overt quirkiness of similarly themed films like "Me and You and Everyone we Know" to deliver a profound and perplexing tale of coming-of-age, revenge and loneliness.
- WriterDave
- Oct 29, 2006
- Permalink
Nice production, good script, outstanding casting, great young actors
Nice production, good script, outstanding casting, great young actors and well chosen music makes this a gem. One can complain about some of the extremes of the plot, but forgive the excesses and farcical elements for the sake of a well woven story. It begins with four kids, friends growing up in a middle-class neighborhood. A significant event splits the initial single thread into three, each following a child: the precocious Malee making her first amorous exploration; Leonard and his struggle with obesity, not only his but also of his immediate family; and the conflicted Jacob. While the film would classify as a drama, there is a good deal of humor to counterbalance the tension that is maintained throughout. The editing is superb in how it moves nimbly among the threads, keeping us always interested and curious about what will happen to the characters. The young actors deliver their parts with aplomb which combined with excellent directing should make this a success.
Don't like Drama's? You do now!
One night, I was on the couch, looking through my "TMN on demand" movie selections, movies A-Z. Looking for good movies to watch on the movie network is tough, considering you don't know what ones are good/recommended and what ones you should entirely stay away from. I watched all of the ones that fit my taste, and one night, I decided to view the movie "Twelve and Holding", hardly knowing anything about it. I'm not really a fan of dramas at all, the "Family Channel" Disney, pretty much ruined them for me, with these lame drama-comedy's such as MVP and cheap independent cartoon type ones. I decided to give it a chance, because I wasn't really in the mood for any action or horror or Comedy's like I usually was. As soon as it passed the dramatic scenes about a brother tragically loosing his life to a Molotov cocktail, I was absorbed into the fascinating character study and couldn't wait to see what happened next in the tale. Many characters with completely different problems are examined in this story, and it ties together nicely with the main plot. Inspiring and heartbreaking moments with truly remarkable well-acted sequences.
The actors often seemed way to real, to me, and instead of feeling like a total wordplay, the writing style was original and refreshing. There is a good amount of subplots in this coming-of-age story and they are studied with well-written dialog, awkward or funny moments and significant captivating motivational characters. This movie isn't nearly as highly acclaimed as I proposed it was going to be, only one nomination? No Oscar nominations? Nothing!? Surely it deserves more observation on a critical side. Consideration, understanding, the dealing of problems, and temptations are pretty much the four key aspects this movie is tackling and trying to make the viewer take into consideration, but people aren't giving it a fighting chance. Speaking of characters, five strong characters are highlighted in this film. Jeremy Renner, who plays Gus, a mislead need-no-sympathy pathetic man who tries to be a clean role model to a little girl, Zoe Weizenbaum who happens to be one of the other lead characters, playing Malee. Jesse Camacho playing Leonard, who has to deal with his overweight family, one of the more motivational and inspirational characters of the film. He is also overweight, but actually is the one who is trying to take action and loose weight. Conor Donovan, another powerful actor from the film, plays two characters, himself and his much more unapproachable and risk-taking brother. Two strong roles too fill, and he does the job. This film tops off with one of the most emotionally charged and satisfying endings I've seen in a drama since a long time.
Highly recommended.
3/4 Stars
The actors often seemed way to real, to me, and instead of feeling like a total wordplay, the writing style was original and refreshing. There is a good amount of subplots in this coming-of-age story and they are studied with well-written dialog, awkward or funny moments and significant captivating motivational characters. This movie isn't nearly as highly acclaimed as I proposed it was going to be, only one nomination? No Oscar nominations? Nothing!? Surely it deserves more observation on a critical side. Consideration, understanding, the dealing of problems, and temptations are pretty much the four key aspects this movie is tackling and trying to make the viewer take into consideration, but people aren't giving it a fighting chance. Speaking of characters, five strong characters are highlighted in this film. Jeremy Renner, who plays Gus, a mislead need-no-sympathy pathetic man who tries to be a clean role model to a little girl, Zoe Weizenbaum who happens to be one of the other lead characters, playing Malee. Jesse Camacho playing Leonard, who has to deal with his overweight family, one of the more motivational and inspirational characters of the film. He is also overweight, but actually is the one who is trying to take action and loose weight. Conor Donovan, another powerful actor from the film, plays two characters, himself and his much more unapproachable and risk-taking brother. Two strong roles too fill, and he does the job. This film tops off with one of the most emotionally charged and satisfying endings I've seen in a drama since a long time.
Highly recommended.
3/4 Stars
- kylekool150
- Apr 13, 2007
- Permalink
Uneven, but a couple of winning performances
An Intense, Riveting, Extraordinary Cinematic Achievement
Burning for youth
Twelve and Holding (2005) ***1/2
Twelve and Holding is filled with some of the best performances by young kids as I've seen in a long time. Michael Cuesta directs the film very nicely and the film approaches a difficult subject of how young kids deal with tragedy and death head on. Though the film doesn't rank up there with Come and See, Forbidden Games, or Grave of the Fireflies, this is still a wonderful and delicate addition to that genre. The material in this film could have easily been turned into a nightmarish exploitation picture, but its done just right and focuses intently on the reality of these kids situations.
Leonard's parents seem to be more caricatures than realistic, and there are some aspects of the screenplay which could have used some fine tuning, but overall Twelve and Holding is a powerful, heartbreaking and tragic film, handled oh so delicately by Cuesta and especially the young actors and some of the adults as well(especially Jeremy "Dags" Renner, who'da thunk it).
A very nice little film that deserved a much wider audience than it got.
3.5/4
Twelve and Holding is filled with some of the best performances by young kids as I've seen in a long time. Michael Cuesta directs the film very nicely and the film approaches a difficult subject of how young kids deal with tragedy and death head on. Though the film doesn't rank up there with Come and See, Forbidden Games, or Grave of the Fireflies, this is still a wonderful and delicate addition to that genre. The material in this film could have easily been turned into a nightmarish exploitation picture, but its done just right and focuses intently on the reality of these kids situations.
Leonard's parents seem to be more caricatures than realistic, and there are some aspects of the screenplay which could have used some fine tuning, but overall Twelve and Holding is a powerful, heartbreaking and tragic film, handled oh so delicately by Cuesta and especially the young actors and some of the adults as well(especially Jeremy "Dags" Renner, who'da thunk it).
A very nice little film that deserved a much wider audience than it got.
3.5/4
- MacAindrais
- Mar 14, 2007
- Permalink
Burning for You
- ferguson-6
- Jun 14, 2006
- Permalink
A terrific movie about children, but not for children.
This is a haunting coming-of-age film about children, bound by a common, shocking tragedy, who struggle to get on with life and overcome their own troubling problems. Despite the severity of issues conveyed in this film's overlapping vignettes, it never becomes melodramatic. Artful screen writing and direction infuse humor in the telling of these children's stories---stories rich with characters who are colorful, but never contrived. All of the children provide very genuine, endearing performances---essential if the audience is going to empathize with them and their disturbing behavior. This movie will frequently make you uncomfortable---very uncomfortable. But no matter how horrifying and even monstrous these children's actions may be, they never lose their appealing and disarming qualities as children. These are very cool kids, even the most troubled, who easily win your affection.
During the course of the movie, one of the children queries the others by asking, "Do you know ninety-percent of people's problems are due to their inability to get over the past?" All of these children will be faced with this challenge. You hope all will overcome this obstacle, but sadly, not all of them will or should be able to get over their past.
During the course of the movie, one of the children queries the others by asking, "Do you know ninety-percent of people's problems are due to their inability to get over the past?" All of these children will be faced with this challenge. You hope all will overcome this obstacle, but sadly, not all of them will or should be able to get over their past.
Little Adults
If you cant relate - then life has been good to you...
Fantastic movie with a multitude of messages. Would make for an excellent movie to show and discuss in schools - I dare you :-) Acting is incredible and pretty much all comes trough the screen as real persons and not some abstractions from a writers imagination.
What hopefully will get through to the viewers is how perceptive children are in reading the adults world both literally and the subtle emotions that adults/parents try to keep them from getting. Since most children doesn't have the experience and information needed to filter all this, it can have some really disturbing consequences when children acts in response as is clearly shown here. Luckily it isn't all children who grow up with these kind of experiences - at least not as extreme, but I'm afraid that a lot of parents would be very scared to know that an awful lot actually can relate to this movie...
What hopefully will get through to the viewers is how perceptive children are in reading the adults world both literally and the subtle emotions that adults/parents try to keep them from getting. Since most children doesn't have the experience and information needed to filter all this, it can have some really disturbing consequences when children acts in response as is clearly shown here. Luckily it isn't all children who grow up with these kind of experiences - at least not as extreme, but I'm afraid that a lot of parents would be very scared to know that an awful lot actually can relate to this movie...
- endymionng
- Jan 1, 2007
- Permalink
Three are Holding, this film above
Director Michael Cuesta continues to improve his admirable coverage of the child world we live in America today, with his second and even more captivating "Twelve and Holding". After making a name for himself with the controversial, but honestly made "L.I.E.", Cuesta continues his focus with the little covered underbelly of modern youth but broadens his narrative to fill out three amazing young characters. Tackling issues head on, whether courting controversy or not, Cuesta and noticeable first timer scribe Anthony Cipriano remain fearless in their explorations, never becoming intoxicated by the exploitation factor that lies right around the corner with every potential move. In effect, this style serves these bold young actors well in portraying an air of realism, no matter how extreme a situation, more distinctly so then any Larry Clark film has ever mustered. Despite the dramatic turns and extreme situations that fly through the quick film, the characters stay consistently grounded to their respective realities, no doubt due to the wonderfully moving material, but also in no small part to the triumphant three performances that usually held more sincerity and truth in simple glances then most overpriced, pretty faced, Hollywood players can ever try to fake us into pretending we are convinced. Despite the main character being the weakest of the three, and against some of the more implausible moments that puncture the believability, one would still be hard pressed to find a more incredible and challenging experience of preteen wonderment, at least from an American perspective, in many years
- oneloveall
- Oct 8, 2006
- Permalink
I don't know what the DP was thinking.
The look of this film was horrible. It felt like a bad Disney Channel movie or a sitcom. Everything was way too illuminated, there was absolutely no depth. The inconsistent angles were incredibly distracting. I don't understand how these people get work.
Also, the stereotypical nature of every character was a bit much. The obese father eating french fries while talking to the doctor, their plates of donuts, the child insisting on wearing a sweat suit and sweatbands. It was all so cliché.
I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. That is, of course, unless you're looking for tips on how not to make a good movie.
Also, the stereotypical nature of every character was a bit much. The obese father eating french fries while talking to the doctor, their plates of donuts, the child insisting on wearing a sweat suit and sweatbands. It was all so cliché.
I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. That is, of course, unless you're looking for tips on how not to make a good movie.
- blahdyblahdyblah
- May 22, 2008
- Permalink
The characters are VERY real.
I feel the last reviewer was a little out of touch with reality. They felt the movie was too 'extreme', but I was actually drawn closer to the characters because the writer portrayed them as VERY real and believable. If I was that age, and someone did what was done to the boy in the movie, prison would be the least of their worries. These kids, and ALL kids, are not the innocent 'Beaver Cleavers' most adults think (or wish) all kids are. I for one, remember when I was 12. I did things like these kids did, and more. I was sexually active in a same sex relationship with someone older, another issue is addressed in the movie, and could relate to it even though the relationship portrayed in the movie is heterosexual. It is VERY rare to see ANY reference to adult - adolescent "relationships" where the adolescent is the sexual aggressor, and NOT the adult. It may be an ugly subject, but it IS reality.
I give this movie an 11 on a scale of 1-10. I would also like to thank IFC Films for showing new releases on PayPer View so people who don't have access to theaters showing the films can see them. I wish ALL independent films were available in this manner.
I give this movie an 11 on a scale of 1-10. I would also like to thank IFC Films for showing new releases on PayPer View so people who don't have access to theaters showing the films can see them. I wish ALL independent films were available in this manner.
Gritty, emotional and incredibly funny
The minute this film started playing, I was hooked. The story follows three 12 year olds who are the normal kind of kids you expect to bump into in your neighbourhood. Each has their own issues, as do all 12 year olds, and it is not till an immensely tragic death amongst them occurs, that they start confronting their issues and start trying to deal with them in their own way. Each very different. The story unravels beautifully and there are times you feel like you need to look away, and start squirming with unease and shock, and times you literally burst out laughing and then cry as well.. Well, I did anyway. I would highly recommend this to pretty much everyone I know, I cant believe it slipped through the net, and I have only just seen it. An absolute gem. To say it is like Stand By Me is a bold statement, but a deserved one. Its of the same calibre. Watch it.
Coming out of age story - at its best !
"12 and holding" is another great movie directed by Michael Cuesta, who recently became my favourite movie director. If you are looking for a fine Coming Out of Age story chances are that that you will find it all in "12 and holding " . It is a simple story without much special effects or famous actors playing but the way the story is shown will make you remember what you've seen .One could say that the movie was disturbing as it showed things most people would never want to happen to them or their kids at the same time everything seems to real. One just couldn't miss the exceptional performance of the young Conor Donovan who plays two roles and does it so well, that I have to admit that I haven't noticed that both boys are played by the same actor.
The soundtrack is extremely powerful especially the melancholic music in some scenes. I did not notice any flaws and felt quite related to the actors. My opinion that all viewers would able to sense something similar to what they felt when they were growing up that sense of anger, or desire for revenge or the will to protect your relatives and friends .
Despite of what some other reviewers wrote I did not find the movie tough to watch yes it deals with violence even death , but it does it in quite an unique way .
The soundtrack is extremely powerful especially the melancholic music in some scenes. I did not notice any flaws and felt quite related to the actors. My opinion that all viewers would able to sense something similar to what they felt when they were growing up that sense of anger, or desire for revenge or the will to protect your relatives and friends .
Despite of what some other reviewers wrote I did not find the movie tough to watch yes it deals with violence even death , but it does it in quite an unique way .
Almost an excellent movie
A Good Movie Flawed By Melodrama
The first half of Twelve and Holding is a really great film, one of the better American "coming of age" films. The acting is excellent (the entire cast), the film looks good, and over all it feels extremely real.
Unfortunately the story begins to pile on the melodrama half way through and doesn't let up until the credits roll. Twelve and Holding never becomes a bad film, nor is entirely predictable in the way the plot goes. But what had been an unusually real feeling film becomes a more typical movie. It stops feeling as if your watching the characters live their lives and feels more like your watching the characters do what was in the script.
That said it's all very well done. The acting is truly exceptional from every cast member. The young actors are most noticeable for their work but all supporting rolls are extremely strong as well.
Definitely worth seeing. I wish it were worth seeing again.
Unfortunately the story begins to pile on the melodrama half way through and doesn't let up until the credits roll. Twelve and Holding never becomes a bad film, nor is entirely predictable in the way the plot goes. But what had been an unusually real feeling film becomes a more typical movie. It stops feeling as if your watching the characters live their lives and feels more like your watching the characters do what was in the script.
That said it's all very well done. The acting is truly exceptional from every cast member. The young actors are most noticeable for their work but all supporting rolls are extremely strong as well.
Definitely worth seeing. I wish it were worth seeing again.
- meaninglessbark
- Oct 31, 2011
- Permalink
Seattle International Film Festival - David Jeffers for SIFFblog.com
An Excellent Film not to be Missed
Heartbreaking at times, but a really good movie
I came upon this movie by accident while channel surfing late one night and I am pleased that I did. The movie had just started and I was riveted from the very beginning. The performances of the actors, both adults and adolescents, were outstanding.
This movie has a deeply moving script. It is about children, but the movie deals with very adult situations. Although brutally painful to watch at times, the uniquely individual manner in which each character handles tragedy and adversity is fascinating. I felt compelled to reach out and hug those kids and perhaps slap the parents, as they were not paying attention to their children. The storyline was interesting and kept the viewer's interest. The interaction between the young friends added a touch of humor.
I would highly recommend this movie, especially to parents. A pleasant surprise.
This movie has a deeply moving script. It is about children, but the movie deals with very adult situations. Although brutally painful to watch at times, the uniquely individual manner in which each character handles tragedy and adversity is fascinating. I felt compelled to reach out and hug those kids and perhaps slap the parents, as they were not paying attention to their children. The storyline was interesting and kept the viewer's interest. The interaction between the young friends added a touch of humor.
I would highly recommend this movie, especially to parents. A pleasant surprise.
Hold onto this one if you can get it
Natural gas isn't toxic, it can't cause loss of consciousness. A woman with a broken hip would never be able to move.
Because of these two stupid mistakes, a movie with some interesting qualities was ruined. Due to the oversight of the production team this is a really stupid movie.
An overweight woman with a broken hip would not be able to move. Any person with a broken hip is completely immobilized 90% of the time. The only way the character's ability to move might be explained by adrenaline and extreme motivation.
Natural gas isn't toxic. A gas leak in itself cannot harm the health of a person in any way. What can be toxic is carbon monoxide from improper burning of natural gas, but the burner in the movie was not ignited. The only other health hazard from a gas leak is the risk of explosion, but in the movie there was no explosion. This is a very ignorant oversight, also was used in 'Panic Room' with propane gas which is also non-toxic.
A corpse buried in less than a foot of dirt would be extremely obvious to any construction crew. When the boy buried his victim the grave was too shallow to prevent the oder of a rotting corpse to come up from the dirt, and animals would have been attracted to the site by the smell and easily would have dug into the grave exposing the corpse. The oder alone would have been obvious and permeated the area for many yards.
I also found it hard to swallow when the psychiatrist mom didn't drop her patient after learning that her twelve year old daughter was found standing naked in the patient's kitchen.
Because of these stupid errors this movie is a dog, which is a shame since it's due to production errors alone.
An overweight woman with a broken hip would not be able to move. Any person with a broken hip is completely immobilized 90% of the time. The only way the character's ability to move might be explained by adrenaline and extreme motivation.
Natural gas isn't toxic. A gas leak in itself cannot harm the health of a person in any way. What can be toxic is carbon monoxide from improper burning of natural gas, but the burner in the movie was not ignited. The only other health hazard from a gas leak is the risk of explosion, but in the movie there was no explosion. This is a very ignorant oversight, also was used in 'Panic Room' with propane gas which is also non-toxic.
A corpse buried in less than a foot of dirt would be extremely obvious to any construction crew. When the boy buried his victim the grave was too shallow to prevent the oder of a rotting corpse to come up from the dirt, and animals would have been attracted to the site by the smell and easily would have dug into the grave exposing the corpse. The oder alone would have been obvious and permeated the area for many yards.
I also found it hard to swallow when the psychiatrist mom didn't drop her patient after learning that her twelve year old daughter was found standing naked in the patient's kitchen.
Because of these stupid errors this movie is a dog, which is a shame since it's due to production errors alone.
- victor-200
- Jul 7, 2007
- Permalink
a must see, for any parents and not only...
for "drama" lovers , this will be "right up their alley". while the actors are generally young kids, this feature is definitely NOT for kids viewing, with or without parents guidance. it is more as something of s to remind you of certain aspects anyone have seen/heard of and could not/did not understand them in their "specific" context, at some time or another during anyone's lifetime. i would refer to it as something similar to the movie "crash" except it does not deal with racial or social tension, but with a "coming of age" one, a quiet "universal" theme as well.
the content: there are 3 different "plots" that happens with every single one of the 3 kids in the main roles.they are overall related but only because the characters are "friends", within the same "normal" and "typical" north American family neighborhood(and probably not only). all those 3 ramifications are somehow brutal, yet very realistic in as COULD or DO happen scenarios.all of them also relate to, and tries to show, how the parents upbringing will affect the rest of their lives. the somehow main plot of the "accident" consists of the male teenager's reasoning with "family loss" and the need for "closure". another plot deals with female teenagers's need of "growing up" or at least the instinctual need of doing so sooner then later. and the the lost plot brings to light certain aspects of how and why more and more teenagers are being over-weight, and dealing with that on both personal and within the family plan; what could be behind this quiet increasingly problem we all notice around us?(and i am not talking about simplistic outcomes but THE roots of this problem as some call it.there are some really Awkward moments, rarely seen on the silver screen, especially the ones involving the young girl. yet all the scenes have at least sensibility, quiet emotional in a realistic way and not some "tear-jerker" or "cry for Oscar" ones.
the production: the kids actors are phenomenal.especially the young girl which i am sure will have a big carrier ahead. the boys are a bit less "involved" but only because the characters requires them as being more "reserved". all the adult supporting roles are well played as well.the camera work is not great but irrelevant here.soundtrack is quiet "cute", not much but efficient when needs to.
i only give it 8 stars because this production is "slow" at times(not consistently but enough to take away some entertainment aspects any movie should have), probably due to budget limits. there were times i was about to loose interest but then something "genuinely" happens, quiet many times actually, to keep me "focused".
i recommend this to parents or anyone in a need/mood for a real LIFE drama.the movie generally teaches and it does not preach, which is always a good thing for such features. you will be left with a "positive" feeling of learning/confirming something known or less known
the content: there are 3 different "plots" that happens with every single one of the 3 kids in the main roles.they are overall related but only because the characters are "friends", within the same "normal" and "typical" north American family neighborhood(and probably not only). all those 3 ramifications are somehow brutal, yet very realistic in as COULD or DO happen scenarios.all of them also relate to, and tries to show, how the parents upbringing will affect the rest of their lives. the somehow main plot of the "accident" consists of the male teenager's reasoning with "family loss" and the need for "closure". another plot deals with female teenagers's need of "growing up" or at least the instinctual need of doing so sooner then later. and the the lost plot brings to light certain aspects of how and why more and more teenagers are being over-weight, and dealing with that on both personal and within the family plan; what could be behind this quiet increasingly problem we all notice around us?(and i am not talking about simplistic outcomes but THE roots of this problem as some call it.there are some really Awkward moments, rarely seen on the silver screen, especially the ones involving the young girl. yet all the scenes have at least sensibility, quiet emotional in a realistic way and not some "tear-jerker" or "cry for Oscar" ones.
the production: the kids actors are phenomenal.especially the young girl which i am sure will have a big carrier ahead. the boys are a bit less "involved" but only because the characters requires them as being more "reserved". all the adult supporting roles are well played as well.the camera work is not great but irrelevant here.soundtrack is quiet "cute", not much but efficient when needs to.
i only give it 8 stars because this production is "slow" at times(not consistently but enough to take away some entertainment aspects any movie should have), probably due to budget limits. there were times i was about to loose interest but then something "genuinely" happens, quiet many times actually, to keep me "focused".
i recommend this to parents or anyone in a need/mood for a real LIFE drama.the movie generally teaches and it does not preach, which is always a good thing for such features. you will be left with a "positive" feeling of learning/confirming something known or less known