Critic's Grade: A+

A nice dramatic coming of age tale that is guranteed to leave you with in tears

Ann (Natalie Portman) and her mother Adele have decided to throw away their old lives and move to California to start new ones. With their old lives they leave behind family, money, friends and everything they've grown to know and love. For Adele this is a dream come true to start over, but for Ann this is the worst thing that could ever happen to her. On their way to L.A. the two go through various obstacles but still seem to overcome them. Finally when they arrive to L.A. their new lives begin.

Adele learns about the rich life, gets a new job as a teacher and falls in love with a womanizer. She also comes face to face with the fear that Ann will someday leave her alone and worried. But looking for the good things she doesn't seem to care.

Anne learns the true meaning of friendship. Meets a new guy, has great friends and also learns the true about why her father abandoned her when she was just a few years old. She also faces hard times when a family death occurs and she doesn't get accepted to the college she wants to go to the most. But overall Adele and Ann realize that they need each other forever.

This movie is absolutely wonderful and heartful. The film is an absolute treat and a film that is guranteed to have everyone loving this. The chemistry between Portman and Sarandon is wonderful, and really both shine.

Co-starring are Shawn Hatosy (The Faculty, Joyriders), Caroline Aaron (Bounce, House Arrest), and Hart Bochner (Urban Legends: Final Cut)

Portman is absolutely gifted and talented in this movie and look for bigger and better roles from her. Her portrayal as Ann is a far cry and different performance from her action-fighting character in the Star Wars films and she really proves she can be diverse. Her character is at sometimes predictable and makes you mad but her comedic touch to the film adds up for it. Portman's carisma and smile makes the film sweet and dramatic and really deserved a Golden Globe for her performance.

Sarandon who always brings her character to life does it again in this film. As Adele she brings the emotion and drama to the film and really makes the film worth watching. She's absolutley brilliant and top notch in the film. It isn't Academy Award winning material for Ms. Sarandon but she truely is wonderful. Praised by critics and given two thumbs up by Roger Ebert.

Directed with brains and wit by Wayne Wang this film has everything needed for a good movie. It has laughs, good music, drama and everything needed for a great film. Although the film was a flop at the box-office and didn't get much attention, it's still an overall success.

You can watch this film at any time and still make you fell good.

Out of a possible 4 stars this film deserves 3 stars.

All Reviews by James Edwards
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