It was an acceptable film; I probably won’t rewatch it, though I can still suggest it to someone. I appreciate a good romantic comedy or a coming-of-age story, but this one felt excessively focused on girls and seemed limited by its actors' budget. It seems that most of the production money went into things like the sets, locations, costumes, and props. The trope where female characters are portrayed as mean to each other is common enough, but here it escalated into a constant battle of deception and cold-hearted loyalty based on what each person could gain—mostly social attention. I found this tiring to watch, although a girl between ten and fourteen might enjoy it, even if she doesn't grasp the technology that’s missing (there are no smartphones or tablets). The plot itself wasn't strong, but the characters were surprisingly well-developed, so I’m inclined to think the script adapted to accommodate them rather than reflecting the writers' talent. There is a surprising amount of detail and subtlety present, even if it lacked real substance for me. The casting choices are noteworthy; I immediately recognized two of the actresses, and another one later on. Vanessa Marano ("Switched at Birth") stands out as the most experienced television actress in the group—she’s also done quite a few movies—but she has a small role, which may be how she gained so much experience by working on many different projects. Bridgit Mendler ("Undateable") is known for comedy and has created her own short films, and she's been involved in bigger productions than the others, including lending her voice to "The Secret World of Arietty." Elizabeth McLaughlin ("Grand Hotel") took me longer to identify because she often appears in smaller roles on television, but she possesses a vibrant personality that she displays well here. Still, her performance is somewhat overshadowed by the rest of the cast. I believe Ellen Marlow not only helped carry this movie but might be among its best actors. In contrast with McLaughlin’s big personality and less developed skills, Marlow's quiet demeanor in her roles, along with her unassuming appearance, could prevent her from getting leading lady parts on screen. Fortunately, she seems suited for Broadway, and those who work in both fields say there are reasons people tend to specialize in one or the other. Ultimately, it’s a movie geared towards girls (said affectionately), and while I'm confused by it, it isn’t bad, but it definitely isn’t great either.
On September 25, 2026
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