The Popkorn Junkie :: How To Deal

      I was pretty impressed with the movie, considering I had no overwhelming urge to see it. I rarely have the urge to see a teen romance flick, and this one is no gem, but it's enjoyable.

      Mandy Moore plays Halley, an angst-ridden teenage girl who has to deal with a mother (Allison Janney) whose life has gone through a downward spiral ever since her divorce, a radio shock jock father (Peter Gallagher) who's about to get married to his new floozie girlfriend, a sister who's about to get married to her dorky boyfriend and a best friend who just found out she's pregnant and her boyfriend just died of a heart failure. Halley doesn't believe in love, until she meets a goofy but charming guy named Macon (Trent Ford), and she gradually changes her tune.

      The film deals with some important issues facing teenagers like teen pregnancy, living in a single-parent family, the death of peers, etc. Unfortunately, they're sometimes dealt with too heavy of a hand. The dramatic moments are obvious plot devices. The script is not much more intelligent than an episode of "Dawson's Creek," but heck--the film has charm. And that's what won me over.

      First of all, Mandy Moore is a fine leading lady. She's cute as a button, and CAN act, unlike certain other pop stars (whose names start with Britney Spears and Mariah Carey). I didn't get a chance to see "A Walk to Remember," but after seeing this movie I might decide to rent it. Allison Janney is a fine actress who has been getting more acclaim ever since she started her role on "The West Wing." I always like to see a teen movie with good adult actors, who add a touch of class. Dylan Baker, who I unfortunately can't stop visualizing as the perverted child abuser from "Happiness," also has a small role.

      There are some good comic moments as well. There's the character of the grandma who smokes marijuana, supposedly because she's sick. She claims she has a "headache." I'm sorry, but the old people getting high gag never gets worn out.

      Though the plot points are forced, the talented actors and likable characters make the film tick. It's just a nice feel-good romantic comedy that's not too soppy. Mandy Moore projects great beauty inside and out, and I hope to see her in more and more movies. The only thing that pissed me off watching this movie was the girls a few rows back who were talking on their cell phones. When the hell is there gonna be a federal law prohibiting the use of cell phones in the movies?? But that's a whole 'nother issue.

     -- Matt ( 3 out of 4 pops )

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