As a critic, I hesitate to make use of the phrase “perfect” however it’s the first adjective that involves thoughts as I compose this evaluation of Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. Several generations of ladies will attest to the impression and resonance of Judy Blume’s perennially well-liked young-adult novel of the identical identify. Relative newcomer Kelly Fremon Craig, with just one characteristic movie underneath her belt (The Edge of Seventeen), has crafted this adaptation of the e book with constancy and tender loving care. What’s extra, she has forged it with a eager eye; I daresay there isn’t a false be aware in the complete movie.
Another newcomer, Abby Ryder Fortson, performs the heroine, who shares her candid ideas in regards to the challenges of oncoming puberty with God—and us within the viewers. Somehow, this conceit performs simply and by no means appears pressured or unnatural. Although we spend time together with her classmates and newly-minted mates in addition to her dad and mom and grandmother (performed with brio by Kathy Bates), it’s Fortson who shoulders the accountability for sustaining our curiosity and skill to narrate. Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie are exceptionally likable as Fortson’s upwardly-mobile dad and mom, who face challenges of their very own.
But likability in itself will not be the aim or the achievement right here. It’s the flexibility to make us really feel as if we’re experiencing what our pre-teen heroine goes by way of at this significant second in her younger life—from being the brand new child on the town to buying her first bra.
Writer-director-producer Craig is a protégé of the estimable James L. Brooks, who numbers Wes Anderson and Cameron Crowe amongst his discoveries. He additionally serves as one of many movie’s producers, which can account for such imposing figures as composer Hans Zimmer and costume designer Ann Roth being on board for such a modest endeavor.
Clearly, I’m not on this film’s goal demographic, however having watched and loved it twice within the final week (as soon as in my class, with a younger viewers) I really feel justified in recommending it to anybody who desires to see an entertaining and completely satisfying film.