DVD (ages 10-14)
Brief Description: In this 1950’s coming of age story, two neighbors, Julie and Bryce, discover one another through a series of difficult situations including misrepresentations and deceit; despite this awkward beginning, they eventually find friendship.
Awards: Heartland Truly Moving Picture Award
Personal Opinion: This film had such potential, but it fell flat for me. It was difficult to come to like Bryce as he was shallow and deceitful. Julie was described as iridescent, and she did have qualities that showed this, but her personality fell short as well. I found myself rolling my eyes as one lie after another was revealed and the roller coaster ride of their relationship found me just wanting to depart the ride all together. The strongest character was Bryce’s dad who was harsh and cruel, and it seemed we were to feel sorry for him when we discovered that his regrets formed the background for his cruelty, but this just didn’t work. Bryce’s grandfather was beautifully drawn and charismatic; he was the only character I truly came to care about.
Programming Idea: It may work to include this film in a World War II unit, although the primary focus of the movie is relationship driven, but it does provide a nice setting for the time period.
No comments:
Post a Comment