Heather Matarazzo as Dawn Weiner has to be one of the least popular characters to populate a film about school and growing up. Not only does she have zero friends at school, but she has zero support from her family. Her brother is a nerd, accepting his fate and concentrating on his college resume. He has the best line in the film, "All of junior high school sucks. High school's better; it's closer to college. They'll call you names, but not as much to your face." Of course Dawn has a younger sister, the blatant favorite of the family.
The awkwardness of the change from childhood to adulthood is on full display, with moments making you cringe at some of the horrible things said to Dawn. I also applaud director Todd Solondz for a plot twist that you sense occurring, yet most films would shy away from.
For you have a rosy, nostalgic memory of your childhood, you may want to stay away. If you remember junior high as a sanctuary of cruelness, it's worth a look.
Rating: 8/10
Movies I've previously viewed: 2
First time viewings: 24
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