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10

BrankTheDankestOct 8, 2015

Good, but much less child friendly than the Wimpy Kid series it spun off from. Pretty good, would recommend, but make sure you put the kiddies to bed first!

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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8

Grncateyes66Sep 26, 2015

I just finished binge watching all 7 seasons of True Blood and left totally fascinated by Alexander Skarsgard. I was curious to see if he could act on the big screen. Honestly, the first 10 minutes I was uncomfortable with the content whichI just finished binge watching all 7 seasons of True Blood and left totally fascinated by Alexander Skarsgard. I was curious to see if he could act on the big screen. Honestly, the first 10 minutes I was uncomfortable with the content which I expected.

This movie totally captures the mind of a 15 year old teenage girl. I should know since I was one. Bel Powley was so believable as Minnie. I loved her performance and can't wait to see more of her movies. Alexander Skarsgard did a good job with his character, Monroe, as well. It would have so easy to let that character come off sleazy. By the end of the film, I had a great deal of empathy for Monroe.

This film is not about morality but the sexual awakening of a teenage girl. Unfortunately, a forever taboo subject in most societies.

I enjoyed the film. I only gave it an 8 since the last 10-15 minutes fell apart for me.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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9

EpicLadySpongeApr 1, 2016

Except for the overused sex scenes in this movie (which is the majority of this movie), the Diary of a Teenage Girl will share a diary for only once and it'll never be read again.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

BrianMcCriticJan 23, 2016

This is a great film about teenage sexuality and the desire to just be loved. All the performances are great and you really feel the 70's vibe. The minor flaw in the film is the desire to add the dream like elements in animation, it justThis is a great film about teenage sexuality and the desire to just be loved. All the performances are great and you really feel the 70's vibe. The minor flaw in the film is the desire to add the dream like elements in animation, it just seemed unnecessary. Overall this isn't enough to hurt the films quality all that much. A-… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

BettySpinksAug 25, 2015

Love this film. I highly recommend it. Beautifully written, filmed and acted. Very human and often very funny. Lots of LOLs from me and everyone around us. If you consider yourself prude, don't go see it. If you judge people--in real lifeLove this film. I highly recommend it. Beautifully written, filmed and acted. Very human and often very funny. Lots of LOLs from me and everyone around us. If you consider yourself prude, don't go see it. If you judge people--in real life and/or in fiction--don't go see it. It's that simple.

The film is not transcendent or even that deep. But the subject matter is dark, and I think the creators hit the perfect tone. There is absolutely nothing cynical about this film.

Told from the girl's point of view, it's simply the true story of a lonely 15-year-old girl who loves to draw and LOVES to have a lot of consensual sex with her mother's pathetic 35-year-old boyfriend. Will she change? I already told you this isn't a cynical film.

I understand it'll be impossible for many people to separate the (illegal) deed from the brilliantly told story, so I'll address this review to people who are on the fence (because open-minded people will see it and judgmental people won't):

If you think you'd like to see this film, but you're not sure? Go see it.

Don't be scared away. Yes, the material is a little uncomfortable at first--and I'm a dirty freak (whoa, where'd that come from?)--but take a couple of breaths like I did, and remember that this is a true story. Enjoy the honesty. Enjoy the non-judgment. Enjoy some empathy. There's so much cynicism on tv and on the internet. You deserve a break. Go see this movie and show yourself some love.… Expand

10 of 12 users found this helpful102

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9

alandaviddoaneSep 18, 2015

The Diary of a Teenage Girl is in my top-five all time great graphic novels, and I have felt that way for over a decade now. So I had pretty high hopes that Marielle Heller’s film adaptation would do justice to Phoebe Gloeckner’s story, aThe Diary of a Teenage Girl is in my top-five all time great graphic novels, and I have felt that way for over a decade now. So I had pretty high hopes that Marielle Heller’s film adaptation would do justice to Phoebe Gloeckner’s story, a glorious, frank coming-of-age that challenges just about every preconceived notion almost any reader could bring to it. Because the story of Minnie Goetze is so very specific in its time, in its setting and in the particulars of how she enters the world of adult sexuality, and because Heller has been so meticulous in bringing it to the screen, the movie, like the book, is absolutely mesmerizing.

To be sure, the confident and determined direction by Heller plays a large role in how riveting the film is from beginning to end, and the cinematography, music and acting performances are all magnificent as well. But ultimately the adaptation would succeed or fail on the key bit of casting, Bel Powley as Minnie. From first moment to last, we experience her world through her eyes – no, through her soul. From her initial announcement that “Holy **** I had sex today!” to a series of new experiences, some soaring, some confusing, some absolutely heartbreaking, Powley completely and utterly inhabits Minnie Goetze in a way that is astounding for anyone who has read the book, and is undoubtedly no less a delight for those coming to this story for the first time in its filmed form.

When she is drunk on her own newfound sexual agency, we feel that. When she is daydreaming about her mother’s boyfriend in all his perceived dreaminess, we feel that, despite seeing him perhaps more clearly than she does. When she lusts, we lust. When she is wounded to the core by her lover’s denial of their relationship, we feel that pain. Powley’s face, her eyes, and her body language all communicate with us so powerfully and urgently that this seems like a new kind of film performance, a more direct connection between actor and audience than is usual. Maybe it’s the material, maybe it’s the direction, maybe it’s Powley’s fearless and bold screen presence, but whatever it is, this is not a movie that you will find yourself bored by. Time suspends and we are there in Minnie’s world, in her bedroom, or devastated at the bottom of a phone booth; no matter what happens, there are no barriers. There is only what happens, and how it feels.

All this is of a piece with Gloeckner’s graphic novel. The Diary of a Teenage Girl held nothing back and demanded to be experienced without pity. It presents Minnie’s sexual life as if she has the right to make her own decisions, because of course she does, and if the people in her life take advantage of that or exercise poor judgment, and they do, then that’s what happens. As with the book, I felt deeply for Minnie and wanted someone to stand up and be a champion for her, but ultimately she learns how to do that for herself, and the lesson of this movie, I think, is that every girl deserves that chance. If The Diary of a Teenage Girl teaches them to demand that power, so much the better.

I loved the book this movie grew out of, and now I love the movie. I have enormous respect and admiration for what Phoebe Gloeckner has done with her artistic talent, and for how Marielle Heller has brought that to the screen with urgency, wit, intelligence and forthrightness. If the movie is not a literal adaptation of every moment of Minnie’s story as seen in the book, it still delivers the most important elements with few evident compromises. It’s a story everyone should experience, and while not everyone will come out of it thinking and feeling the same things, it’s impossible not to feel something after seeing Minnie’s story.

Me, I felt exhilarated. And very, very pleased for one of the most talented people in comics, that her work has been so faithfully translated to a new medium. I hope it brings moviegoers to the original source material, because there is a lot more to the story than what we see in the movie, as breathtaking as it is.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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10

katezoeJan 24, 2016

One of the top ten films of 2015. Amazing and tender story of a teenage girl coming to terms with her sexualtiy. Pitch perfect acting by the three main characters. Loved the direction. The late 60's in San Francisco caputured perfectly.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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6

TheDavoAug 29, 2015

The critical reviews are well above the actual merit of this film. It's a decent film but not an 87. Maybe a 60 + / -.

The initial scenes leading to the sex are ridiculously bad. Whoever wrote them did a terrible job. No 15 or 16 yearThe critical reviews are well above the actual merit of this film. It's a decent film but not an 87. Maybe a 60 + / -.

The initial scenes leading to the sex are ridiculously bad. Whoever wrote them did a terrible job. No 15 or 16 year old girl would talk or act that way. Those scenes are just preposterous and certainly affected my view off the rest of the film. The scenes where the mother found out and reacted were also preposterous and badly written. Again, no adult woman cuckolded like this would react in those ways.

An interesting story in spite of the key scenes that made no sense. The actress in the lead role did a good job and was believable and likable much of the time. The 2 adult leads were pretty lightweight and their parts were quite undeveloped and 2 dimensional.

Might be worth a trip to the cheap cineplex but not as a first run movie. And don't go for Kristen Wiig. She sleep walked her way through this one.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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5

foxgroveAug 7, 2015

‘I feel like I’m nothing’ states sexually precocious teen Minnie Goetz towards the end of this quirky, but ultimately overrated and disappointing adaptation of Phoebe Gloeckner’s autobiographical novel. ‘Nothing’, may not be quite what one is‘I feel like I’m nothing’ states sexually precocious teen Minnie Goetz towards the end of this quirky, but ultimately overrated and disappointing adaptation of Phoebe Gloeckner’s autobiographical novel. ‘Nothing’, may not be quite what one is left feeling about the film itself, but it is fair to say that the longer it plays on screen the more diluted becomes the impact. What starts out as promising, if somewhat superficial slice of life, begins to fall apart in the last 20 minutes as the repercussions of Minnie’s sexual shenanigans ensures fall out for all the main characters. Taking place in San Francisco circa 1976 the story is centred on a 15 year old teenager, Minnie, embarking on various sexual adventures that lead her on the path to womanhood. Performances are really good with special mention to Kristen Wiig who makes much of her few scenes as the less than perfect mother. As Minnie, Bel Powley (often topless) is convincing as the not particularly attractive teen craving attention which ultimately jolts her into adulthood. Alexander Skarsgaard, also her mother’s boyfriend, is very likeable as the object of her attentions, even though his actions demonstrate weakness and are in reality contemptible to say the least. The film is definitely different, with a reasonable script which possesses more than a few moments that amuse. Sadly, however, the movie just doesn’t deliver on one’s expectation.… Expand

7 of 11 users found this helpful74

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0

bevo76Sep 3, 2015

I found this movie to be boring. It started with an interesting premise but repeats the same sexually explicit scenes. The movie is overrated and I would not recommend seeing it. The acting was good but the story went nowhere fast.I found this movie to be boring. It started with an interesting premise but repeats the same sexually explicit scenes. The movie is overrated and I would not recommend seeing it. The acting was good but the story went nowhere fast. For me and my friend it was a waste of money.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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6

TVJerrySep 3, 2015

Because it's set in the free-love, drug-drenched culture of 1976 San Francisco, the central premise is treated more revelatory than shocking. The 16-year-old "girl" (Bel Powley) has an affair with her mom's (Kristen Wiig) boyfriend (AlexanderBecause it's set in the free-love, drug-drenched culture of 1976 San Francisco, the central premise is treated more revelatory than shocking. The 16-year-old "girl" (Bel Powley) has an affair with her mom's (Kristen Wiig) boyfriend (Alexander Skarsgård). Her sexual obsession and artistic awakening are explored thru her first-person narration (which becomes monotonous), social encounters and animated segments (in the underground comix style of Aline Kominsky-Crumb). Powley credibly captures the extremes of adolescent exhilaration, insecurity and longing. Filmmaker Marielle Heller has chosen to play down the obvious fashion and musical references to the period, in favor of a focus on the personal experience. There's no denying that this frank, provocative account may shock some, but it's presented without judgment and with sensitive insight. Interesting film credit: joint roller!… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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3

mandm1951Aug 30, 2015

I am learning to BEWARE when the critics scores are higher than the users scores, as they are for this movie. I should have read the reviews more carefully. If I had I might have avoided an unpleasant movie-going experience.

6 of 13 users found this helpful67

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2

GreatMartinAug 21, 2015

The past few weeks I have seen a couple of entertaining movies like “The Gift” and “Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation”, a few okay films like “Phoenix”{ and “Ricki and the Flash” but I knew, from experience, it would all come to a screechingThe past few weeks I have seen a couple of entertaining movies like “The Gift” and “Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation”, a few okay films like “Phoenix”{ and “Ricki and the Flash” but I knew, from experience, it would all come to a screeching halt and it did today with one of the worst movies I have seen this year called “The Diary of a Teenage Girl”. It is one of those movies I got suckered into seeing by word of mouth from movie reviewers of which there seem to be 3-4 every year, not some much from the actual reviews as I very seldom read reviews before I go to see a movie. There was the fact that it played at Sundance and magazines like Entertainment Weekly picked it as a winner and Hollywood Reporter stated ‘a strikingly intimate look---in an outstanding debut film” so off to the movies I went.

It could be that I have forgotten what a teenager is like or the fact that I was never a female teenager and/or that a male teenager losing his virginity isn’t that big a deal but except for a few startlingly incidents like the boyfriend, at 35, of the girl’s, at 15, mother is the one that loses her virginity, that she is shown in full frontal nudity (though in real life she, Minnie, played by Bel Powley, was 21 when it was filmed) along with many sexual scenes from lesbian shots, to teenage girls performing oral sex on teenage boys, the movie is pretty boring and I think it only appeal to teenage girls, maybe some women and voyeurs!

Reading a half of dozen reviews after seeing the movie it seems many give Alexander Skarsgard a pass on having sex with a minor and seem to ignore the fact that all the females, except Minnie’s younger sister, are pretty loose with the sex and drugs including her mother played by Kristen Wiig, her best friend Kimmie, Madeleine Watres, a young lady, Margarita Levieva, into gay sex and drugs in all forms.

Surprisingly the only off key acting is by Christopher Meloni who plays Minnie’s father, who lives in New York. I found Wiig and her female friend to be annoying while Bel Powley playing the teenager experiencing her sexual coming out is convincing and off kilter at the same time.

Directed by Marielle Heller, who also wrote the screenplay based on a novel by Phoebe Gloeckner, seems to add some of the “Birdman” fantasy plus more, shows San Francisco in a good light, also the good and bad of 1979, with many illustrations to add a comic book angle including many a Disney touch and a drawn Aline Komisky-Crumb who ’helps’ Minnie.

This is a movie I came very close to walking out on but stayed hoping it would redeem itself but, for me, it didn’t.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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3

kkcreevyDec 21, 2015

Yes, teens are thinking about sex. But telling them that a young girl, the daughter of a substance-abusing single mom -- a girl desperate for love, affection, and validation, who falls for her mother’s drunk boyfriend who molests her, isYes, teens are thinking about sex. But telling them that a young girl, the daughter of a substance-abusing single mom -- a girl desperate for love, affection, and validation, who falls for her mother’s drunk boyfriend who molests her, is somehow sexually empowered by the experience, is an utterly reprehensible message.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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0

THE_COCONUT_MANFeb 10, 2016

I found the graphic and repeated portrayal of under age sex disturbing. Story-wise, without spoiling anything, you have a very serious situation that is boiling over the entire movie which ends up essentially getting laughed off in theI found the graphic and repeated portrayal of under age sex disturbing. Story-wise, without spoiling anything, you have a very serious situation that is boiling over the entire movie which ends up essentially getting laughed off in the closing minutes, with no consequence, nothing learned, nothing lost... All in all terrible, disgusting trash.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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5

tvnewsguidoFeb 28, 2016

It's not shocking or all that insightful but it's okay for what it is.

The 70s drug and free love culture are on full display. Some might find the events depicted in the film shocking but for anyone even slightly familiar with the period,It's not shocking or all that insightful but it's okay for what it is.

The 70s drug and free love culture are on full display. Some might find the events depicted in the film shocking but for anyone even slightly familiar with the period, this is well-trod ground. The performances are good bordering on great but, over all, this one was just sort of meh for me.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

smiyamotJan 23, 2016

The movie making was different, artistic, innovative, but the story line was not. Seemed repetitive and stereotypical of the 60's culture in San Francisco. One 15 year olds life immersed in those times. So what? Do we get any inkling ofThe movie making was different, artistic, innovative, but the story line was not. Seemed repetitive and stereotypical of the 60's culture in San Francisco. One 15 year olds life immersed in those times. So what? Do we get any inkling of whether this was a good or bad way to grow up? It was just a diary of what happened, no conclusion or analysis. This was based on a book so I'm assuming it followed that story line, but not every book should be made into a movie.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

smijatovJan 30, 2016

An excellent woman-centric film, which is quite a breath of fresh air in the male dominated field, especially when it comes to "coming of (sexual) age" films. It is a strange concoction, yet a very effective one. Marielle Heller, theAn excellent woman-centric film, which is quite a breath of fresh air in the male dominated field, especially when it comes to "coming of (sexual) age" films. It is a strange concoction, yet a very effective one. Marielle Heller, the first-time director, does an excellent job with intermixing beautiful cartoon artwork which enriches the film quite well. While sometimes the artwork does not quite transcend itself to give the film deeper meaning (e.g. 2010's "Rabbit Hole"), this is a rather successful merger of art and film.

In terms of production, the film is very good. Excellent editing and cinematography are aided by well thought out production design and excellent costumes. The lenses used give that "70s hue" that compliments the overall storyline and makes the film somewhat more believable.

The plot is quite engaging itself, if for no other reason but for it's female focus. We are used to those awful slapstick men-centric comedies with their fart jokes. This, in comparison, looks like a mature take on a mature topic - sexual development and growing up of a teenage girl. Surely, the actions of Minnie (excellently portrayed by Bel Powley) seem often reprehensible and irrational, but they are also part of what makes the film credible. Teenagers are weird. They have weird logic (or none, at times). They think about sex. They think about sex A LOT. And sometimes, like in Minnie's case, they are not afraid to explore it.

Powley is extremely convincing in an array of situations in the film and, as one character in the film points out - those eyes! She manages to get through that teenage innocence and vulnerability, but also the strength of her wannabe-Lolita independent woman that she wants to be. And that's part of the genius of the script too: why settle for either one when you can be both?
From the rest of the cast, Alexander Skarsgard has the most screen time and he is actually quite good in the role of the enamoured boyfriend of Minnie's mother. The mother, played by Kristen Wiig, seems like the weakest link in the chain. While Wiig does decently, the mother's character seems to be the weakest in terms of being a full person. We see drinking problems and drug abuse, we see the inability to deal with emotions, as we see the need for (male) attention. But that all seems rather limited, especially within the context of a film that has developed its heroine so well, as well as the troubled male focus of her attention.

Without giving away too much - I'd highly recommend this film to anyone, especially teenagers. It makes thinking about sex seem normal and acceptable, which is important. It is sad that that's an important thing we need to remind ourselves of in 2016, but beggars cannot be choosers. An excellent film with an excellent cast, dealing with an excellently engaging topic, done in an excellent mixture of live action and animation - 8/10!… Expand