 Edge of Seventeen- Awkward Time in Life and awkward movie. I’m giving it a C. Nadine has grown up in a small town but felt wealthy with her one friend. This best bud has gotten her through horrible hairdos and the death of her father. But now, when her best friend and older brother hook-up, Nadine flounders.
Hailee Steinfeld plays Nadine with angst and extensive drama. She’s grown up from True Grit but still says just what she wants. She uses wise cracks to hide her own pain and insecurity, thereby insulting those who most want to help her.
Woody Harrelson as Mr. Bruner, the HS History Teacher is the bright spot in the movie. His sarcasm and cold, dead heart hide the caring soul of a true teacher.
Edge of Seventeen is poignant and painful to watch as Nadine crashes and burns while trying to find a connection to another person. Her dad had been her rock, always getting her. Nadine’s diarrhea mouth, spews unkind and unthinking words all the while thinking she knows it all. People reach out to her but until she lets go of her own anger, she isn’t able to see it nor embrace them. Fights with mom is a standard of female teenagerhood, but Nadine doesn’t spare her teachers or the cute boy trying to show how amazing he is.
Edge of Seventeen has a similar feel to the fabulous John Hughes movies of the 80’s but lacks the fun soundtrack. It’s updated to reflect the atmosphere of students today. Certainly, it’s a movie which will have you appreciating your mortgage and 9-5 job as you are now older and wiser.
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Melissa KeirIt's all about the movies... Archives
January 2020
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