This movie is based on Wendelin Van Draanen’s novel of the same name. It begins with little second grader Juli Baker (Madeline Carrol) who “flipped” for her new neighbor Bryce Loski (Callan McAuliffe). The moment she stares into his dreamy eyes she is convinced that Bryce Loski will be her first kiss. Unfortunately for little miss Juli, Bryce doesn’t want anything to do with her. In fact, he thinks she’s really strange. Bryce constantly comes up with various excuses to avoid any interaction with Juli. He even starts hanging out with the most popular girl in school (Juli’s arch enemy) in order to get some peace. However, Juli will not be deterred. That is until the eighth grade when a series of events occur that cause Juli to question Bryce’s character.
Meanwhile, Bryce’s Grandpa (John Mahoney) who usually keeps to himself strikes up a friendship with Juli. At first Bryce is annoyed by this development and then he becomes slightly jealous. He begins to wonder what’s so special about Juli Baker. Once he actually starts paying attention to Juli he begins to feel weird. Can it be? Oh yes, Bryce Loski has “flipped.” There’s only one problem. Juli Baker can’t stand Bryce!
As you can see this movie is about young unrequited love and all its glory or misery depending on how you look at it. This movie is sweet and cute, but I had really high hopes for this movie because Rob Reiner (who brought us such great films as Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men etc..) directed, produced, and wrote for this project. I was really hoping for When Harry Met Sally meets The Wonder Years, which is probably how this movie was pitched to studio executives. Instead it was just ok and at one point I even found myself a little bored. I don’t want to give too much away, but viewers may get annoyed by the way in which the film shows various events from both Bryce and Juli’s perspective. At times it gets a little too repetitive, but if you don’t let it bother you too much it kind of works. The film had some good moments though and it features a quality cast. You’ll see some old favorites (Anthony Edwards, Rebecca De Mornay, Penelope Ann Miller, and Aidan Quinn).
On a side note, I saw the film with an unusually large proportion of older adults who seemed to absolutely love the film. They kept talking about the clothes, the cars and miscellaneous props, so I think it was a little nostalgic for them. I guess if you’re going to trek out to the theater for this one maybe you should attend the matinee showing and invite your grandparents for a change.
