BEAUTIFUL GIRLS (1996)

Ada
Directed By: Ted Demme
Written By: Scott Rosenberg
Cinematography By: Adam Kimmel
Editor: Jeffrey Wolf

CAST: Timothy Hutton, Natalie Portman, Uma Thurman, Matt Dillon, Michael Rappaport, Noah Emmerich, Lauren Holly, Mira Sorovio, Rosie O’Donnell, David Arquette, Martha Plimpton, Annabeth Gish, Max Perlich, Pruitt Taylor Vince, John Carroll Lynch, Sam Robarbs


This movie is interesting as it is a romantic comedy, but it’s not really about the pursuit of someone or falling in love but more about the maintenance of relationships that you are in Maturing. Showing responsibility. It is really a middle aged coming of age tale.

I remember seeing this at the ANGELICA Movie theater opening night with a packed audience. I liked it so much I went back the following weekend again (Movie Prices were much lower then) It still held up upon second viewing.

The film revolves around Timothy Hutton’s character coming back to her hometown for his high school reunion and catching up with all of his friends. As he does we are exposed to their problems. While he bonds with the girl next door who just happens to be 13 years old.

One of the things I like about this film is that it is perfectly cast. None of the actors reaches a false note. You believe every cast member In their respective roles as real people. Though my one complaint is that I thought mira sorovino’s character could have been used more and better. This is a film full of great character actors, who rarely get a chance to play the lead. Each of them get to play to their strengths. So much so. It would not be upsetting to get to know each of their characters more.

Special mention must be given to two performers who are more supporting but in their little bit of screen-time glow and bring like and joy to not only their scenes but also the material. The goddess known as Uma Thurman who as usual is cast as more of a muse then a romantic interest that anyone has a chance with. Some of the characters do pursue her, but already know in advance they have no chance as she is a unattainable sirenish beauty the problem with this phenomenon which luckily works for this movie. Is that most films she is in don’t know how to use her properly and to her strengths. The same goes for her noteworthy co-star Natalie Portman this was only her second film, But she had star quality already. The role would have been a star making one if the film had been a bigger hit. Between this and her first film THE PROFESSIONAL she had me as a devoted fan. She is the thinking Man’s beauty. In this film she shows poise, wit, charisma and a natural understanding that is uncommon for a girl of her age at the time. While still being a believable teenager. Which pretty much paved her way to the Oscars in her later years . Other then her first film she has never gotten a chance to play this type of role. In other roles she seemed misguided. She seems a natural for a Woody Allen film. Which she played in once before in a bit role, And a wes Anderson film heroine (Of which she was in a short of) She has beauty and brains yet still possesses a fragility.

The film is one of these undiscovered gems that constantly plays on cable and network television that deserves better then what it got. The film has so many memorable moments and characters. The dialogue which at times can be a mouthful and overly witty and soulful for such blue collar characters is delivered like it is poetry. Like a grown up but better version of DAWSON’S CREEK with not as much melodrama and revolving love triangles.

I would talk and tell more about the film, but it is a movie that is best to discover. Just stay glued to any scenes involving Timothy Hutton and Natalie Portman. There scenes could have been a short feature themselves. What could have been inappropriate end up being quite sweet and heartwarming.

The film brings pain and emotional reality in certain parts.

The film is worth adding to your film library.

GRADE: A