Bet you wish Hollywood still produced those great coming-of-age dramedies John Hughes served up in the late 1980’s…
Who can forget the likes of SIXTEEN CANDLES and THE BREAKFAST CLUB.
Well, there’s good news and bad news.
The bad news is growing up hasn’t gotten any easier.
Despite that the good news is a NEW dramedy, THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN, ranks right up there with Hughes’ best and could very well qualify as a future classic in the genre.
What we’ve got here is an honest, candid, often hilarious look at what it’s really like to grow up as a young woman today.
And let me just tell you that Hailee Steinfeld, who so impressed in the 2010 remake of TRUE GRIT, truly shines in this well written, acted and directed film that asks the question: “You’re only young once—Is it over yet?”
Steinfeld plays 17 year old Nadine Byrd, a beyond miserable, awkward high schooler who fits in with no one, hates everyone, hates everything—hates life.
Making matters worse, her one friend Krista catches Nadine’s brother’s eye which now leaves her completely in the dust.
If there is one bright spot in her life it’s her history teacher and adopted counselor Mr. Bruner played brilliantly by Woody Harrelson who almost steals the movie.
But it’s Steinfeld who nails it!
In all fairness, Steinfeld is well supported by Kyra Sedgwick as her well meaning widowed mother who seems to pay more attention to her job and on-line dating than on attention-starved Nadine.
This movie works on ALL levels!
Part of the credit has to go to Academy Award winning filmmaker James L. Brooks whose rich screen credits include TERMS OF ENDEARMENT, JERRY MAGUIRE, AS GOOD AS IT GETS—and ‘The Simpsons.’
An Oscar nomination for Hailee Steinfeld is not out of the question here.
And don’t let the R rating scare you off. It’s due to the salty dialogue.
Our screening audience loved it. The critics love it. I love it and I’m highly recommending it across most demographics.
THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN (Shades of JUNO?)
New this weekend citywide.
My grade: A.
JACK GOES TO THE MOVIES Friday mornings during Kansas City’s Morning News on 98.1 FM, KMBZ.
