Every once in a while, a film comes along that grabs your heart and reels you in, and for a brief time - you transcend away from the present.
This film was beautiful and intelligent. It brought back so many of the feelings I had myself at that age and in love. The actors were so amazingly natural, at times I wondered if I was watching a 'reality' film - especially during the scene that takes place in the bathroom between Megan Wilson and the actress playing her mother. The mistletoe scene and the scene with Brian Vaughn and the baby were flawless and I was moved by a tide of bittersweet emotion watching them. I loved the score too, it complimented the film perfectly.
I am surprised and dismayed by some of the criticism in the reviews here. I thought the writing/dialogue was smooth, original and realistic. The story line was wonderfully simplistic - a young girl looks back at the sweet and sometimes turbulent relationship with her first love. I was enthralled with both of the young characters, but I was especially enchanted with Katie because of the strength and intelligence of her character. I do agree with the reviewer that compared Brian Vaughn (Boyd) to a young Brad Pitt - I found myself thinking the same thing throughout the film. I also believe the pacing and the length of this film were superb - a perfectly timed glimpse into the lives of two people that touched each other tenderly.
I watch a lot of movies, and this is definitely one of the best I've seen. It reminded me of "The Virgin Suicides" because of it's dreamy and poetic feel. I was touched deeply and I can't wait to see more from the talented Dani Minnick. I urge the reviewers to watch the film again, there were so many slight nuances in the film, you may not have caught them the first time. This isn't your run of the mill glossy teen film that Hollywood has been burping out for the last several years - it's much more perceptive and raw. I plan to view it again as soon as possible.
