agoodrow

What a treat to see the many, many faces of super talented Diane Ladd in the context of a coming of age story with a diverse cast. Danielle Brooks shines - breaking all stereotypes with her powerful performance. Eden Brolin makes her film debut as a naive millennial trying to find her way out of the nest of a helicopter mom who has choreographed her life up to college graduation. Viewers can relate to the inspiring mentor relationship between Vera (Diane Ladd) and Dora (Eden). Millenials and their grandmothers will be pleased to see the bond between generations. The sweeping cinematography captures the wintry chill of Saugertes, New York in a chilly, frozen time of the lives of the characters. Be surprised by new talents and new energy from the music and poetry.

I watched this movie with my young teen daughter who is just discovering how clueless and well-meaning the young men in her life are. There is a freshness and charm about allowing a young man to bumble through his relationships and life trying again, and again, to learn life's lessons about choosing the right words and deeds to carry out his good intentions. Wouldn't we all like to have a second or third take on some of the key scenes in our teens and twenties? The women in the film do revolve around the men. But they are more than cheerleaders. They have depth and love and autonomy. Finally, the father/son relationship is worth the price of the ticket. Our sons and brothers and fathers need honest, bumbling, believable film role models to help them forgive themselves and love each other. This film accomplishes that.