Monday, December 19, 2016

Movie Review Madness - Edge of Seventeen

Edge of Seventeen is such a reminder of the old 1980s John Hughes movies – edgy teens with “real” scenarios and great soundtracks. Now it’s updated for 2016. For me, a bit too much of the “F” word, but otherwise, this movie is on target and so true and totally made me laugh (and cry on the inside) at the same time.   I felt for Nadine (a brilliant Hailee Steinfeld) – she’s an insecure high schooler who’s pretty but doesn’t know it. She’s not comfortable in her skin and lets her motor mouth run her façade.  She’s smart, well read, and nerdy (and that’s okay but she doesn’t know it).  She resents her mother (Kyra Sedgewick – who can play attractive but trying too hard and acting too young). She “hates” her brother Darian ( a very solid Blake Jenner) who’s the star football god at high school. She counts on her bestie, Krista ( Haley Lu Richardson) who cheats on her with her brother – yep, Krista is moving on.  And then there’s the smitten young man (Hayden Szeto) that Nadine takes for granted and oh, he’s so right for her.

Seventeen??  Yep, tough age.  And this movie captures all of the horror, the good, the anxiety, and more.

Gotta love Woody Harrelson who’s the English teacher that Nadine counts on. She’s always barging in on his lunch break and assumes he really has no life.  Ultimately when the chips are down and she counts on this teacher, he goes the extra mile. He has a wife and a baby and Nadine witnesses that her teacher is a real person.  Oh, she has so much to learn.

Edge of Seventeen is excellent.  It truly captures that age of uncertainty and potential.  I am fifty-eight and could feel seventeen again – that inner heartache and worry.  You’ll laugh and inner swoon. Huge thumbs up to a superb little film with a big heart.   Go see it


16 comments:

  1. Great review Joaane, why people have to use "The F Word" is beyond me but everyone is their own person at the end of the day. Ah seventeen! the age I met my husband, Thanks for your support throughout the year, much appreciated Happy Christmas.
    Yvonne.

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    1. I'm conscious of the language but that's life these days

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  2. This sounds like a good one! I will have to see it myself though since it wouldn't be something my hubby would like to view (unless I bribe him with something :)

    betty

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    1. No, I saw it on my own. Sometimes that is best

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  3. I'm so tired of potty mouth movies and shows. And now I have the Stevie Nicks song stuck in my head. lol Sounds like a good movie though.

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  4. Heard it was really good, glad to know it is. On my radar to watch indeed.

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  5. I miss those teen movies of the eighties. Nice to hear they are still making ones with that vibe.

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    1. it's not Rogue One, but I think you'd find this one amusing

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  6. This sounds fun. I hope I get to see it.

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    1. Yes, I think you'd like it. Keep your eye out

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  7. I think Woody Harrelson is great. I've a couple of trailers for this film, but it came across as a lot more fluffy than you've made it sound.

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    1. indeed - the previews are misleading. The film is funny but deeper than it appears.

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  8. I'm 58 also, but would never like to relive being 17 again.
    On the other hand, it WAS nice having parents who paid for everything.

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  9. I'm sold. Thank you, Joanne. In the coming week, I may be going to the movies and I'll look for this one.
    Take care.

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