Tuesday, November 22, 2016

'The Edge of Seventeen' Review

The Edge of Seventeen is a coming of age comedrama (I'm not sure if this is a thing, but a comedy/drama) about Nadine, a hysterical and socially awkward teen, and all the trials and tribulations she must endure in her day-to day life as a high school junior. 
Kelly Fremon Craig writes and directs, maintaining a good handle on showing the world through the eyes of an angsty teen while maintaining a sense of believability to her surrounding world and understandable motivations to her abrupt rebellious actions. Her script incorporates relatable entry point characters, ample witty humor, and a charming story (despite being a little too predictable and cliché at times). 
Hailee Steinfeld interjects a tortured vulnerable humanity and charmingly awkward spirit into Nadine, making an interesting protagonist to follow around as you can't help but feel bad for her when life hits her like a freight train with one dilemma after another. 
The supporting performances sprinkled throughout work because the cast embraces the clichés that accompany their respective characters and run with them. Haley Lu Robinson offers an ideal portrayal of a close friend that unintentionally goofs up, Blake Jenner channels the demeanor of a popular and narcissistic brother, Kyra Sedgwick is the troubled parent, Woody Harrelson plays a snarky teacher, and Hayden Szeto's the ideal match for Nadine as virtuous geek Erwin. 
I don't have much else to say about The Edge of Seventeen because aside from the acting, writing, and directing there isn't much to extrapolate from. When it comes down to it, The Edge of Seventeen is a delightfully charming coming of age tale that will likely be championed by any millennials who discover it. 

Film Assessment: B+

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