71
Metascore
17 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90New Times (L.A.)Bill GalloNew Times (L.A.)Bill GalloThe result is a lovely piece of writing brought to life by a terrific cast, a vivid sense of place and, not incidentally, some perfectly chosen pop tunes by such as Bree Sharp, Leona Naess, Smog and Tin Star. As for Lauren Ambrose, her big-screen debut is a revelation.
- 88Boston GlobeLoren KingBoston GlobeLoren KingA rarity among modern movies: a coming-of-age tale without cliche or sentimentality. Bolstered by a luminous lead performance from Lauren Ambrose.
- 80Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonAbsolutely refuse to make predictable patterns in the sand. Instead, they set their characters loose.
- 80Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasAmbrose's Frankie, who is more intelligent and capable of reflection than those around her but is even more unworldly than she realizes, is tremendously appealing.
- 75Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittSprightly acting, understated emotions, and lovingly detailed ambience make this amiable comedy-drama an easygoing indie pleasure.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleSan Francisco ChronicleKeenly observed and refreshingly natural.
- 63New York Daily NewsJami BernardNew York Daily NewsJami BernardIts leisurely pace and reliance on Ambrose's pale-lashed gaze make it more of an interior monologue. That may not please viewers who crave action, but those with patience will be rewarded.
- 60L.A. WeeklyChuck WilsonL.A. WeeklyChuck WilsonOn the surface, this coming-of-age tale feels slight and unremarkable, yet the director's final close-up of Frankie packs a punch -- a testament to the power of a gifted young actress happily lost inside her first big role.
- 50Austin ChronicleKimberley JonesAustin ChronicleKimberley JonesAmbrose owns this crawlspace between being fierce and being fragile. But she can't escape the fact that her role is underwritten; the script suffers from an excess of subtlety.