Rated:PG-13
Running Time:132 minutes
Tabitha's Rating:***.5/5
Synopsis: Drew Barrymore leads as a mother and wife at 15. The story unfolds over 20 years.
The reason for seeing this movies is not in the plot or greatness of the film itself, but in Drew Barrymore's performance. I have always liked her movies, even those other people hated like Never Been Kissed. Ever After is in my top 10 romance movies...well if its not it should be. The point is, as good as she was, she was never considered to be in the same league as leading ladies like Julia Roberts. This movie will definately boost her career to the next level, never again having to do teeny bobber type films. The plot itself was good, but there are lots of films about teenage moms. Drew Barrymore made this film what it is. Through her mannerisms, facial expressions, and delivery, the emotions and person of Beverly D'onfrio were made alive and true. I even heard a few other critics talking about the possibility of an Oscar nomination for this performance. The other actors in the film were also great. I was impressed by Steve Zahn, usually appearing in stupid comedies like Saving Silverman, who redefined his abilities as an actor, in my mind at least. Also the best friend played by Brittany Murphy was humorous and likeable.
The plot itself was not out of the ordinary, but I guess that is almost the point. It is the true story of a real American girl. Beverly, a talented writer, gets pregnant and then married at 15 to a bum and addict. She knows she could have been so much more. She cannot live out her dreams of going to a great college, so she makes a life plan for her son to do so. Throughout the movie, she makes good and bad choices, as she grows as a young mother. Any movie that gets the audience's own emotions wrapped into the film is a good movie. I was crying not only at the end, but at several other key moments in the movie.
Bottomline: I would recommend seeing this movie to check out the exceptional performances, especially that of Drew Barrymore.
