5/10 - usually Beanie Feldstein doesn't disappoint, but this movie fell flat on most accounts (and don't even get me started on Beanie's accent)
57 Reviews
How to Build a Girl
JoBloTheMovieCritic11 March 2021
Weekend at Beanies
southdavid30 July 2021
Another film creeping onto a streaming service in the UK, having had it's potential Cinematic release blighted by Covid closures was "How to Build a Girl", a loose (sometime very loose) adaptation of the first part of Journalist and Author Caitlin Moran's autobiography.
Johanna Morrigan (Beanie Feldstein) is a precocious but unpopular girl living in Wolverhampton in the early 90's. Through little more than ability and force of will, she earns herself a job at a London based music magazine, writing reviews. Her career really takes off when she takes on a cruel persona and begins writing scathing and bitter appraisals of the bands of the time. But her success comes at the expense of her relationships with her friends, family and with singer/songwriter John Kite (Alfie Allen).
Not quite nailing the accent, but doing better than most would, Beanie Feldstein does a good job anchoring a film that has flights of extreme fantasy mixed in with its dramatic moments. The film does have its amusing moments, and there's particular joy to be found with the cameos from various people appearing on her "God wall". Alexei Sayle playing Karl Marx is a nice nod for those who know anything about his career.
My trouble was that I don't think there was quite enough story to justify the creation of the film. Admittedly, becoming a respected music critic at 16 whilst living in Wolverhampton is laudable and unusual, but the plot doesn't really have enough to it to make you feel anything other than mildly charmed. Her arrogance, created by so much success so quickly, doesn't really cost her much to overcome, as her family are always reasonably supportive.
As I say, amiable and amusing, but lacking in story beats to make it worthwhile.
Johanna Morrigan (Beanie Feldstein) is a precocious but unpopular girl living in Wolverhampton in the early 90's. Through little more than ability and force of will, she earns herself a job at a London based music magazine, writing reviews. Her career really takes off when she takes on a cruel persona and begins writing scathing and bitter appraisals of the bands of the time. But her success comes at the expense of her relationships with her friends, family and with singer/songwriter John Kite (Alfie Allen).
Not quite nailing the accent, but doing better than most would, Beanie Feldstein does a good job anchoring a film that has flights of extreme fantasy mixed in with its dramatic moments. The film does have its amusing moments, and there's particular joy to be found with the cameos from various people appearing on her "God wall". Alexei Sayle playing Karl Marx is a nice nod for those who know anything about his career.
My trouble was that I don't think there was quite enough story to justify the creation of the film. Admittedly, becoming a respected music critic at 16 whilst living in Wolverhampton is laudable and unusual, but the plot doesn't really have enough to it to make you feel anything other than mildly charmed. Her arrogance, created by so much success so quickly, doesn't really cost her much to overcome, as her family are always reasonably supportive.
As I say, amiable and amusing, but lacking in story beats to make it worthwhile.
Why can no one do a Midlands accent?
gracesiobhan25 July 2020
I love Beanie. But why, in many films and TV shows that are set in and around the Black Country area, do they not cast actors from the same area, or who can at least do the accent? Paddy's accent was OK. But that's it. I'm from Wolverhampton and I was disgusted and cringing throughout the whole film.
Only 5 stars because it was a poor film anyway.
Only 5 stars because it was a poor film anyway.
Really liked it
Gordon-1116 May 2020
An Enjoyable, But Uneven Experience
jestoon20 December 2022
How To Build A Girl was an enjoyable, but uneven experience. The story focuses on Johanna, a teenage nerd coming from a Wolverhampton council estate, and gaining a spot at a top music magazine. As the film progresses, Johanna learns the lesson that all critics, editorial columnists, and feature writers must face - her opinions and words on the page have real life consequences.
The execution was a bit of a mixed bag, right down to the character development. While I personally related to the character of Johanna and her discovery of an interest in writing, I found her attempt at moral grandstanding in the middle of the film unsympathetic and off-putting. A good film for what it is, but it could've been better. 6/10.
The execution was a bit of a mixed bag, right down to the character development. While I personally related to the character of Johanna and her discovery of an interest in writing, I found her attempt at moral grandstanding in the middle of the film unsympathetic and off-putting. A good film for what it is, but it could've been better. 6/10.
Charming and harmless - intoscreens.com
eelen-seth11 May 2020
Caitlin Moran's novel (who also wrote the screenplay) 'How To Build a Girl' tells the story of teenager Johanna Morrigan's (Beanie Feldstein - Booksmart) journey as she reinvents herself as Dolly Wilde. Yesterday, a teenager in search of her own identity; today, a sex-positive wild child with an infamous look, and trash talking the finest artists of her era for her new job as a critic in London, to help out her financially struggling family in Wolverhampton.
Feldstein plays a somewhat similar, but this time British, character as she did in last year's Booksmart. A tad bit more insecure, but still driven and charismatic. It does distract a little when she channels Melanie C in 'Spiceworld' with her British accent. Not necessarily a bad thing, since this is mostly the case in the first half of the film, before Johanna turns into a completely different version of herself. Heavily influenced by the collection of talking portraits of important historic figures on her bedroom wall, and by connecting with her brother Krissi (Laurie Kynaston - The Trouble With Maggie Cole), she goes on to forming a young woman's personality who can stand on her own for a big future to come.
The chemistry between the members of the Morrigan-family feels genuine. Especially Paddy Considine (HBO's 'The Outsider') as Johanna's father and wannabe rock'n'roll-fanatic, has some heartwarming moments with his on screen daughter and is a lot of fun to watch. When it comes to a true scene stealing performance, we have to wait until about halfway into the film, when Johanna gets to interview rocker John Kite. Played by Alfie Allen (HBO's 'Game of Thrones'), he has one big scene in a hotel room with Feldstein, which isn't just emotionally raw, but showcases once again how good he is at playing a vulnerable, troubled man.
Coky Giedroyc has directed plenty of episodes for television (most recently 'Harlots'), but never seems to want to upstage that with something that's made for the big screen. Everything feels a bit too BBC, and while there's nothing wrong with that, it does limit the wide range of people that could show interest in watching this. Nothing makes 'How To Build a Girl' stand out. It feels like it borrows a lot from other coming-of-age films, and while there is a lot of clever stuff to be found, it doesn't particularly digs itself into your brain to be memorable. The script itself is riddled with clever nods to iconic literary figures (such as Little Women's Jo March), and you'll never listen to Annie's "Tomorrow" the same way ever again.
'How To Build a Girl' was made to connect with plenty of teenagers out there, who might be struggling with finding their own identity. As far as originality goes, it doesn't really discover any new ground, which for a film like this might be enough to entertain those who are looking for just a straightforward charming story.
Feldstein plays a somewhat similar, but this time British, character as she did in last year's Booksmart. A tad bit more insecure, but still driven and charismatic. It does distract a little when she channels Melanie C in 'Spiceworld' with her British accent. Not necessarily a bad thing, since this is mostly the case in the first half of the film, before Johanna turns into a completely different version of herself. Heavily influenced by the collection of talking portraits of important historic figures on her bedroom wall, and by connecting with her brother Krissi (Laurie Kynaston - The Trouble With Maggie Cole), she goes on to forming a young woman's personality who can stand on her own for a big future to come.
The chemistry between the members of the Morrigan-family feels genuine. Especially Paddy Considine (HBO's 'The Outsider') as Johanna's father and wannabe rock'n'roll-fanatic, has some heartwarming moments with his on screen daughter and is a lot of fun to watch. When it comes to a true scene stealing performance, we have to wait until about halfway into the film, when Johanna gets to interview rocker John Kite. Played by Alfie Allen (HBO's 'Game of Thrones'), he has one big scene in a hotel room with Feldstein, which isn't just emotionally raw, but showcases once again how good he is at playing a vulnerable, troubled man.
Coky Giedroyc has directed plenty of episodes for television (most recently 'Harlots'), but never seems to want to upstage that with something that's made for the big screen. Everything feels a bit too BBC, and while there's nothing wrong with that, it does limit the wide range of people that could show interest in watching this. Nothing makes 'How To Build a Girl' stand out. It feels like it borrows a lot from other coming-of-age films, and while there is a lot of clever stuff to be found, it doesn't particularly digs itself into your brain to be memorable. The script itself is riddled with clever nods to iconic literary figures (such as Little Women's Jo March), and you'll never listen to Annie's "Tomorrow" the same way ever again.
'How To Build a Girl' was made to connect with plenty of teenagers out there, who might be struggling with finding their own identity. As far as originality goes, it doesn't really discover any new ground, which for a film like this might be enough to entertain those who are looking for just a straightforward charming story.
Almost British
SnoopyStyle19 October 2020
It's 90's England. Johanna Morrigan (Beanie Feldstein) is a 16 year old outcast at school. She talks to her imaginary famous mentors. Her poor family lives in Wolverhampton. Her father Pat (Paddy Considine) still dreams of being a 70's rock star. Her mother is worn out after having twins. She gets a magazine job and journeys to find herself as music reporter Dolly Wilde.
Of course, this reminds me of Almost Famous. There is a lot in common. This has some of the same autobiographic touches with a coming-of-age story within the music journalism industry. There is one thing that I can't get over. Beanie is trying to be British and it's freaking weird. It sets this off on a note which it does recover eventually. I can't see how there isn't a British teenage girl itching to play this part. Johanna does go full evil before learning her lesson. This is good although I kept thinking that this could have been a breakout performance for an unknown British teen.
Of course, this reminds me of Almost Famous. There is a lot in common. This has some of the same autobiographic touches with a coming-of-age story within the music journalism industry. There is one thing that I can't get over. Beanie is trying to be British and it's freaking weird. It sets this off on a note which it does recover eventually. I can't see how there isn't a British teenage girl itching to play this part. Johanna does go full evil before learning her lesson. This is good although I kept thinking that this could have been a breakout performance for an unknown British teen.
Wall of Gods
ferguson-67 May 2020
Greetings again from the darkness. British writer Caitlin Moran has adapted her own 2014 semi-autobiographical novel-memoir for the screen, because who better to write about the coming-of-age of a talented outcast than that talented outcast herself? Given the profusion of coming-of-age movies that hit the screen every year, it's a welcome change when one takes a different approach. And this one does just that.
Beanie Feldstein (BOOKSMART, and Jonah Hill's sister) stars as Johanna Morrigan, replete with British accent. Johanna is a dreamer, and as she sits in her usual spot at the library, she fantasizes about Mr. Darcy riding in to save her from this mundane life. We quickly learn that Johanna is bright, and treated as quite the misfit at school. Even her English teacher asks her to scale back her writing assignments. See, in addition to being a world class dreamer, Johanna is a very talented writer ... and she sees that as her only means to escape Wolverhampton.
At home, Johanna has a "Wall of Gods" featuring photographs of her literary and historical heroes, including: Sylvia Plath (Lucy Punch), Elizabeth Taylor (Lily Allen), Bronte sisters, Sig Freud (Michael Sheen), and Maria von Trapp (Gemma Arterton). Johanna speaks to these photos, and they answer her. Johanna's family hustles to stay just above poverty. Her dad's (Paddy Considine) dream of rock stardom has passed, and now he breeds black market Border Collies while remaining optimistic about life. Her mother (Sarah Solemani) suffers from post-partem depression after giving birth to twins (kids number 3 and 4).
Johanna shares a small bedroom space (divided by "the Berlin wall") with her cool brother Krissi (Laurie Kynaston). We know he's cool, because he hangs out in the cool room at school - a room to which Johanna has never been invited. After embarrassing herself on a televised poetry reading show (hosted by Chris O'Dowd), Johanna is encouraged by brother Krissi to apply for a music critic job at a local publication. Her heartfelt submission on "Annie" the musical causes guffawing among the ultra-cool writing staff at the magazine; yet her writing skill and persistence land her a shot. It's at this point that things change for Johanna.
An unusual interview with popular and earnest singer John Kite (Alfie Allen, brother of singer Lily Allen and son of actor Keith Allen) results in a connection and teenage crush, leading to a sappy article rejected by her employer. Given a second chance by the magazine, Johanna's alter-ego Dolly Wilde does in fact turn wild. Her 'bad girl' image and mean spirited critiques of bands gain her a cult following - a type of notoriety. The pen may be mightier than the sword, but when the pen is used as a sword, the damage is severe. What follows, of course, are the inevitable hard (and painful) life lessons.
Director Coky Giedroyc has spent most of her career on TV shows, but she has a feel for this material. However, it's mostly the no-holds-barred performance of Beanie Feldstein that makes this work - both the comedy and drama. We've seen the outsider with talent many times before, and because of that, expectations are a bit low going in. This time, a different twist and passionate filmmakers and actors turn this into quite an entertaining 100 minutes.
Beanie Feldstein (BOOKSMART, and Jonah Hill's sister) stars as Johanna Morrigan, replete with British accent. Johanna is a dreamer, and as she sits in her usual spot at the library, she fantasizes about Mr. Darcy riding in to save her from this mundane life. We quickly learn that Johanna is bright, and treated as quite the misfit at school. Even her English teacher asks her to scale back her writing assignments. See, in addition to being a world class dreamer, Johanna is a very talented writer ... and she sees that as her only means to escape Wolverhampton.
At home, Johanna has a "Wall of Gods" featuring photographs of her literary and historical heroes, including: Sylvia Plath (Lucy Punch), Elizabeth Taylor (Lily Allen), Bronte sisters, Sig Freud (Michael Sheen), and Maria von Trapp (Gemma Arterton). Johanna speaks to these photos, and they answer her. Johanna's family hustles to stay just above poverty. Her dad's (Paddy Considine) dream of rock stardom has passed, and now he breeds black market Border Collies while remaining optimistic about life. Her mother (Sarah Solemani) suffers from post-partem depression after giving birth to twins (kids number 3 and 4).
Johanna shares a small bedroom space (divided by "the Berlin wall") with her cool brother Krissi (Laurie Kynaston). We know he's cool, because he hangs out in the cool room at school - a room to which Johanna has never been invited. After embarrassing herself on a televised poetry reading show (hosted by Chris O'Dowd), Johanna is encouraged by brother Krissi to apply for a music critic job at a local publication. Her heartfelt submission on "Annie" the musical causes guffawing among the ultra-cool writing staff at the magazine; yet her writing skill and persistence land her a shot. It's at this point that things change for Johanna.
An unusual interview with popular and earnest singer John Kite (Alfie Allen, brother of singer Lily Allen and son of actor Keith Allen) results in a connection and teenage crush, leading to a sappy article rejected by her employer. Given a second chance by the magazine, Johanna's alter-ego Dolly Wilde does in fact turn wild. Her 'bad girl' image and mean spirited critiques of bands gain her a cult following - a type of notoriety. The pen may be mightier than the sword, but when the pen is used as a sword, the damage is severe. What follows, of course, are the inevitable hard (and painful) life lessons.
Director Coky Giedroyc has spent most of her career on TV shows, but she has a feel for this material. However, it's mostly the no-holds-barred performance of Beanie Feldstein that makes this work - both the comedy and drama. We've seen the outsider with talent many times before, and because of that, expectations are a bit low going in. This time, a different twist and passionate filmmakers and actors turn this into quite an entertaining 100 minutes.
Didn't expect too much, It was nothing more than fine.
noellemary9612 May 2020
All of the usual coming of age tropes are present but it takes place in an unusual set of circumstances. Honestly, the whole movie felt so tacky. The notable actors playing the characters on the wall fell a little flat, the costumes felt like what a teenager thinks people in the 80s would have dressed like, and considering the movie was about a music crtic they could have used music more liberally. Beanie's accent is sometimes dead on but she frequently slips out or misses the pronunciation, which pulled me out of the story quite often. I think this is a time when casting a bubbly American 20 something acctress to play a British teenager with a pretty specific regional accent just did not work.
All in all, the movie wasn't bad, but there isn't anything distinct about it that will stick with me. It's too bad beause Beanie Feldstein is a lovely person and really shines in other movies, but this just was a bit of a "meh" production.
Beanie Disappeared inti the role and made it good.
polarity_pictures9 May 2020
Expected something rough, wasn't bad. She did a great accent, I was listening carefully for any hiccups in it and nothing too bad. after a few scene she disappeared into the character and made it believable. Exactly what an actor suppose to do. Story was allright, but standard fare. Soundtrack could have been better by choosing more unique tracks rather than the ones that are more known.
Forgettable coming-of-age caper
gallusNumpty1 March 2020
I'll be honest, I already wasn't a fan of Caitln Moran's origin before I tried reading the book on which this film is based, and I got about two chapters into it before realising it wasn't going to change my mind. So when this turned out to be the 'surprise film' I'd pre-booked a ticket for at a recent festival, I wasn't expecting much. And that's what I got.
It's the semi-biographical, played-for-laughs tale of a bookish teenage girl from a none-too-well-off family. Her father is a failed musician, her mother suffers from post-natal depression, and she shares a bedroom with her teenage brother. With encouragement from the talking posters on her wall, she finds her writing mojo, with the proverbial hilarious consequences. But we know the real Cailtin Moran is still a writer, so you can probably guess the ending.
I thought perhaps having never been a teenage girl myself was the main reason for failing to connect with anything the protagonist experienced, but my wife seemed to like it even less than I did. So I have to conclude it just wasn't very good.
It's the semi-biographical, played-for-laughs tale of a bookish teenage girl from a none-too-well-off family. Her father is a failed musician, her mother suffers from post-natal depression, and she shares a bedroom with her teenage brother. With encouragement from the talking posters on her wall, she finds her writing mojo, with the proverbial hilarious consequences. But we know the real Cailtin Moran is still a writer, so you can probably guess the ending.
I thought perhaps having never been a teenage girl myself was the main reason for failing to connect with anything the protagonist experienced, but my wife seemed to like it even less than I did. So I have to conclude it just wasn't very good.
Better than reviews would have you think
cosham11 August 2020
It's true this is a "coming of age" film but why is that touted as being such a bad thing? This has an excellent cast and, although stretches the realms of belief at times, is very watchable with likeable characters. I nearly didn't watch it based on the reviews and was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. It's not going to break any records but it's worth whiling away an afternoon to.
When in O'Dowd, watch it...
ThurstonHunger18 July 2021
Sure the film is a wysiwyg, even though its notion is that what you see is NOT NECESSARILY what you get. Add in a hefty portion of "be who you are" and you've got a fine, but simple message wrapped in a fine, fun and simple movie.
I've not read the book/s behind it, but clearly that helped out. And it seems Ms Moran was involved in shepherding this to the screen....so there is a lot of love involved, and not just the sweet sibling support between Johanna and her brother. Bonus points for the exhausted love of a Mom who doubled down on later-in-life "love" children.
Anyways if all else fails, the rule of Chris O'Dowd may be invoked; although he's only in a short yet pivotal scene, he (and many others here) are excellent.
I've not read the book/s behind it, but clearly that helped out. And it seems Ms Moran was involved in shepherding this to the screen....so there is a lot of love involved, and not just the sweet sibling support between Johanna and her brother. Bonus points for the exhausted love of a Mom who doubled down on later-in-life "love" children.
Anyways if all else fails, the rule of Chris O'Dowd may be invoked; although he's only in a short yet pivotal scene, he (and many others here) are excellent.
Paddy Considine is wasted on this
Roogatsby11 May 2020
I knew nothing about this movie going into it. It's a very smug film that continuously pats itself on the back for being so smug. There isn't really anything unique or original about this 'coming of age' story - sure it has bright colors and drops some fuzzy cool cultural references (ooh Happy Mondays...Manic Street Preachers.. what year is this supposed to be?) but all of its charm is superficial. It is predictable, poorly paced, and the main character is frustratingly unlikeable. Her narcissism seems to always end up being rewarded even when things go awry for her. Paddy Considine is super enthusiastic as her father, but even his character still comes off as a total brat. Every character is a brat, there's no room for development or real redemption in the formula. I struggled to make it through this film, it is so unapologetically tone deaf... Maybe, just maybe, it's barely worth watching if only you can convince yourself that every single character is an extension of the author's completely self-absorbed persona, like a teenage music critic fever dream Fight Club but without the flair, ideologies, or big reveal.
Completely miscast.
cpj798 August 2020
Surprisingly unconvincing
themadmovieman25 July 2020
It seems 1980s and 90s coming-of-age movies are all the rage at the moment, but How To Build A Girl doesn't really stand out among the crowd. Though an engaging story filled with strong energy, it's far from the most immersive or nostalgic watch, nor a particularly touching tale of growing up - pushing the limits a little too much at times.
Of course, pushing the limits and trying something different is just what a film like this should do to stand out from the crowd of coming-of-age movies. At times, How To Build A Girl's almost fable-like rags to riches story is more memorable than purely focusing on the awkward realities of growing up, but at others, it feels a rather superficial patch on an otherwise less-than-powerful story.
The morals here are relatable and well-meaning, albeit fairly simple. It's about a teenage girl who gets her big break in writing, but is forced to sell out on her true voice to succeed, inevitably leading to controversy and conflict both with others and her own conscience.
That story is nothing new - we've seen it in the likes of How To Lose Friends & Alienate People and Fighting With My Family) - but unlike those two films, How To Build A Girl neither has a particularly genuine heart nor a great sense of humour to boost the appeal of its plot.
Normally, a good coming-of-age movie is able to really tug at your heartstrings by telling a relatable and above all honest story about the challenges of growing up. Now, those certainly aren't the same for everyone, but I think it's fair to say that this film goes a little overboard with its story, into territory where this genre really isn't at its best.
Far from the small-scale, genuine drama of the best coming-of-age films, How To Build A Girl sees its main character rocket rapidly through the ranks, only to come crashing down again just as quickly. However, the movie simultaneously tries to get you to sympathise with her as if she is a normal teenage girl, which is really quite difficult to do.
As a result, the film comes off as a rather superficial coming-of-age drama, and one that's a lot more focused on the rags-to-riches side of its story.
What's more, How To Build A Girl doesn't do the best job of recreating the essence of its time period. It's not an enormously captivating or even convincing picture of Britain in the early '90s (I must admit I regularly forgot this film wasn't set in the present day), and pales in comparison to more loving era tributes like Blinded By The Light.
The performances are one of the film's saving graces, with an energetic and captivating lead turn by Beanie Feldstein, bringing an impressive likeability to a character that could have been so easy to loathe. Many of the supporting turns are good too, albeit none really stand out as immensely hilarious or dramatically gripping.
Overall, How To Build A Girl is a bit of a mixed bag in my book. It's not a bad film by any means, and its story is well-meaning and engaging at times. But, it's a poor attempt at telling gripping coming-of-age drama, and it fails to get you on side in its more moralistic moments. The performances are good, but don't quite do enough to add that extra spark.
Of course, pushing the limits and trying something different is just what a film like this should do to stand out from the crowd of coming-of-age movies. At times, How To Build A Girl's almost fable-like rags to riches story is more memorable than purely focusing on the awkward realities of growing up, but at others, it feels a rather superficial patch on an otherwise less-than-powerful story.
The morals here are relatable and well-meaning, albeit fairly simple. It's about a teenage girl who gets her big break in writing, but is forced to sell out on her true voice to succeed, inevitably leading to controversy and conflict both with others and her own conscience.
That story is nothing new - we've seen it in the likes of How To Lose Friends & Alienate People and Fighting With My Family) - but unlike those two films, How To Build A Girl neither has a particularly genuine heart nor a great sense of humour to boost the appeal of its plot.
Normally, a good coming-of-age movie is able to really tug at your heartstrings by telling a relatable and above all honest story about the challenges of growing up. Now, those certainly aren't the same for everyone, but I think it's fair to say that this film goes a little overboard with its story, into territory where this genre really isn't at its best.
Far from the small-scale, genuine drama of the best coming-of-age films, How To Build A Girl sees its main character rocket rapidly through the ranks, only to come crashing down again just as quickly. However, the movie simultaneously tries to get you to sympathise with her as if she is a normal teenage girl, which is really quite difficult to do.
As a result, the film comes off as a rather superficial coming-of-age drama, and one that's a lot more focused on the rags-to-riches side of its story.
What's more, How To Build A Girl doesn't do the best job of recreating the essence of its time period. It's not an enormously captivating or even convincing picture of Britain in the early '90s (I must admit I regularly forgot this film wasn't set in the present day), and pales in comparison to more loving era tributes like Blinded By The Light.
The performances are one of the film's saving graces, with an energetic and captivating lead turn by Beanie Feldstein, bringing an impressive likeability to a character that could have been so easy to loathe. Many of the supporting turns are good too, albeit none really stand out as immensely hilarious or dramatically gripping.
Overall, How To Build A Girl is a bit of a mixed bag in my book. It's not a bad film by any means, and its story is well-meaning and engaging at times. But, it's a poor attempt at telling gripping coming-of-age drama, and it fails to get you on side in its more moralistic moments. The performances are good, but don't quite do enough to add that extra spark.
And so the reviewing cycle continues
trulyjewelly27 February 2021
Well here I am writing a review for a film about a teenage female who breaks out of her depressing home life with a surprising landing-pad-opportunity as Rock reviewer for NME, so the protagonist of the film was an excellent Reviewer. She went to see bands around the country to do a write-up on them. As I'm a similar age to Caitlin Moran, the journalist whom its about, the temporal setting made sense ( I knew the names, anyway!). I had no idea what a good film-watching experience was guaranteed when I chose this from my Prime Watchlist and it has definitely given me something to think about. It's strange how some people make it and some people don't, and it's not necessarily the ones you'd expect. There is the question of whether the protagonist is actually mentally ill or whether it could be that she's a "sensitive" as there is a lot of evidence of her sensitivity in the film. All of "Life" is encompassed in this movie for All ages. I loved the special effects of her conversations with pictures on her bedroom wall. Also the scrapbooking look in the end title graphics, which evoked warm, feel-good memories. It probably establishes Caitlin Moran as a true Leader of our time, and the book it's based on is the first of a trilogy, the final one of which is not even out yet, excitingly enough!
How to Build a Girl
henry8-39 August 2020
Feldstein plays a loser in and out of school who reinvents herself as a writer on a rock music paper and receives much adulation for her writing - life though is not that simple.
Much to enjoy here with fine performances by Feldstein herself, Considine as her easy going father and Allen as the rock star she falls for. Despite a predictable lessons in life story going up and then down the greasy pole, this is helped along enormously by a sharp and often very witty script.
Much to enjoy here with fine performances by Feldstein herself, Considine as her easy going father and Allen as the rock star she falls for. Despite a predictable lessons in life story going up and then down the greasy pole, this is helped along enormously by a sharp and often very witty script.
Very Enjoyable
martimusross26 November 2020
How To Build A Girl
Beanie Feldstein played the lead with a faultless northern accent, without this talented actress the movie would have been both pedestrian and derivative, but instead we had a really great movie.
The precocious music critic with unbridled ambition became a version of Hedda Hopper, only to find this destructive path was not her dream selling out her literary idols on her bedroom wall.
I sensed some sexist tropes that grated but overall this project was well realised
I give this a hard six
Beanie Feldstein played the lead with a faultless northern accent, without this talented actress the movie would have been both pedestrian and derivative, but instead we had a really great movie.
The precocious music critic with unbridled ambition became a version of Hedda Hopper, only to find this destructive path was not her dream selling out her literary idols on her bedroom wall.
I sensed some sexist tropes that grated but overall this project was well realised
I give this a hard six
Accent
svader24 July 2020
Only 5 minutes in and the accent of the main character and some of the other characters is annoying.
I don't know anyone from Wolves or the Midlands with that accent which drifts from South London with a bit of Cornish to Birmingham with a bit of Scottish thrown in. Weird.
Film was painful
Good luck
I don't know anyone from Wolves or the Midlands with that accent which drifts from South London with a bit of Cornish to Birmingham with a bit of Scottish thrown in. Weird.
Film was painful
Good luck
From Frumpy to Freaky
jeroduptown4 July 2021
Lovely heartfelt coming of age movie.
brindood-19 May 2020
This film really charmed me. Though the main character's accent wandered a little, I forgave it very quickly because the story and the protagonist's journey was really engaging. There are plenty of laughs and heart breaking moments along the way and I left having been thoroughly entertained.
A Hilarious and Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Tale
Mysterygeneration11 March 2024
A coming-of-age story with a punk rock twist. Beanie Feldstein shines as Johanna, an awkward and insecure 16-year-old yearning for a life beyond her small town. The film follows her journey of self-invention as she creates the persona of Dolly Wilde, a sharp-tongued music journalist, to land a job at a cool magazine.
In this engrossing portrayal, Feldstein adeptly captures the awkwardness and emotional turbulence of puberty. Her metamorphosis into the flashy Dolly is a funny and realistic portrayal of the extent teens would go to in order to fit in. The humor in the movie is clever and cutting edge, with a good dash of British charm. The script by Caitlin Moran, which is based on her own book, tackles themes of female empowerment, self-discovery, and the intricacies of family dynamics. It offers a remarkably honest viewpoint on the teenage experience.
The movie's plot may take some fanciful turns, especially when it comes to Johanna's quick ascent to fame in the field of music journalism, but it never strays from its main point. "How to Build a Girl" is fundamentally a celebration of uniqueness and discovering your voice, even if doing so necessitates taking on an entirely new identity.
In this engrossing portrayal, Feldstein adeptly captures the awkwardness and emotional turbulence of puberty. Her metamorphosis into the flashy Dolly is a funny and realistic portrayal of the extent teens would go to in order to fit in. The humor in the movie is clever and cutting edge, with a good dash of British charm. The script by Caitlin Moran, which is based on her own book, tackles themes of female empowerment, self-discovery, and the intricacies of family dynamics. It offers a remarkably honest viewpoint on the teenage experience.
The movie's plot may take some fanciful turns, especially when it comes to Johanna's quick ascent to fame in the field of music journalism, but it never strays from its main point. "How to Build a Girl" is fundamentally a celebration of uniqueness and discovering your voice, even if doing so necessitates taking on an entirely new identity.
should have been made 10 years ago
vonteek22 August 2021
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