Movie Review

Not Overtly Preachy

When my wife selected this movie from the few that would begin at the right time to get us finished and home in Forney for an appointment, I was (I’ll admit.) more than a little skeptical that it would be either too “preachy” or too “simplistic” to keep my attention.

I WAS WRONG! My wife says I do not say those three words very easily, but there they are!

PG-13 is the rating—for some sexual material and thematic material involving sex education, and the running time is 15 minutes short of two hours (for just the movie, not the extras).

I watched this Judy Blume adaptation (1970) from the opening words to the closing and never once yawned or wavered with my attention. Margaret portrayed the young person approaching semi-adulthood and not being sure of him or her self— and not being sure that GOD is really “up there,” listening to our prayers and answering them.

Margaret is played so well by Abby Ryder Fortson; her Grandmother Sylvia features the long-time successful actress, Kathy Bates; Mom Barbara (Rachel McAdams) is the stereotypical good housewife; Dad Herb (Bennie Safdie) has some outdoor failings that make him “average” or “normal” for this day and age. All members of the family are grasping for or searching for “something” as they move from Manhattan to New Jersey rather abruptly.

Especially Margaret searches for who and what she is as she goes through 6th grade adolescence and the impending changes physically and mentally. She is aided, or maybe impeded, by her new circle of friends— and especially by the “leader of the pack,” Nancy (Elle Graham). To make the story even more complicated, but also real-to-life, a “religious” quandary comes to light as especially the grown-ups struggle with that!

I will tell you no more, except to say, get your refreshments early, and take your restroom break as you enter the theatre—no matter how much you are thirsty for more soda or “struggling to hold it” a little longer, you will not want to leave the movie girls and “olders” to solve things without you there to approve or disapprove!

My wife says, “I loved it; give it an ‘A’—brought back memories of when I was that age; I laughed, and I cried!” I (Themer) rarely admit to crying in theatres, but my eyes were moist, too! This movie made me reminisce, but it also made me think and re-think some things the world is debating today. And, it was good (no, exceptional) entertainment!