In theaters Friday, April 28
reviewed by N. Renee Brown
Basically: A young girl traverses the pitfalls of adolescence. When Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) returns from camp, her whole life is turned upside down.
Her family is moving out of the city to (gasp) New Jersey. They are leaving everything she knows AND grandma behind to chase the suburban dream. But for Margaret, it is more of a nightmare. Her first group of friends in the ‘burbs are led by Nancy (Elle Graham). A casually cruel young girl who has already begun to develop (you know, DEVELOP). As Margaret tries to fit in among these new friends she feels as if she has to hide her true self in order to fit in.
This is a sweet movie. Just hands down, wholesome and adorable — I mean, it is based on a Judy Blume novel. The writer (Kelly Fremon Craig) did some real homework on what it is like to be a girl in the 70’s (that first bra!!!) and even a little of what it is like to be a girl of color (hot combs!!!). And Abby Ryder Fortson, is just the stuff of legends in this film. She never flinches from the storm of emotions or the camera watching them. Honestly, if you have to act opposite Kathy Bates and Rachel McAdams, you’d better be able to hold your own…and this little girl is! (Although, I’ll be honest, Kathy steals every scene she is in as Grandma Sylvia – she is such a gem in this movie.)
In the end: Take your daughter to see this, she’ll cringe, you’ll laugh and when you are done treat her to some ice cream. You’ll be happy you did.
Originally posted on the Geek Girl Riot podcast on idobi.com
