A pleasant, heartwarming comedy-drama, this underappreciated Winona Ryder star vehicle is well-written by Karen Leigh Hopkins, and has the benefit of sure-handed direction by Jim Abrahams. Simultaneously treating teenage alienation with both depth and levity, the movie is a gentle little tale that has a lot to say about how people treat each other. As usual, Ryder is a charming screen presence, paired with the likable Thomas Wilson Brown, whose adolescent character shows surprising depth and thoughtfulness. There’s also a wonderful soundtrack filled with catchy early ’90s radio-friendly soft rock courtesy of Melissa Etheridge and Thomas Newman that stamps the movie with a distinct audital flow, all of which is expertly edited into a well-paced and quietly impressive gem.
Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)
