By Jamie Lawrence
A familiar slow-paced, heartfelt high school film set in 1990s following Charlie through bullying, making friends and falling in love with Sam. However, unlike its many comedy feel-good counterparts, this high school storyline has the added recipe of gritty emotions and troubled pasts. It is a little dark in places but mainly a comforting hour and 45 minutes that hooks you into wanting to be part of their friendship group.
Although it was heavily advertised as starring Emma Watson (mainly due to the new, unrecognised cast), her appearances are not as frequent nor important as you would assume. It was, however, time she broke away from the Hermione Grainger character that she is easily associated with, and the convincing American accent and new look executed this perfectly. With great performances from some new, young and unknown faces in the acting world, it is a film for the younger adult who wants to see Emma Watson in a more challenging role.
Best Bits: Emma Watson in sexy Rocky Horror Show attire, a fresh-faced cast.
Worst Bits: The slow pace of the film and lack of deep, hard-hitting exploration of the characters' pasts. Also, one very important scene where Sam's emotions contradict the story she is telling.
Rating: 7/10 - Easy to fall in love with the characters, but slightly harder to do so with the film.
For Fans of: Garden State
