The Edge of Seventeen [DVD] [2016]

The Edge Of Seventeen is a cleverly written, beautifully shot, perfectly paced coming of age teen angst film, just as expected. What isn't expected is the thoughtful insight to mid-life crisis and life assessment Woody Harrelson and Kyra Sedgwick's character's bring to this charming, insightful, sometimes awkward, but overall genuinely entertaining confection. It's quite possible that writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig has actually in some ways out done her hero and inspiration John Hughes by showing both the teen and adult sides of the "coming of age" struggle. Hailee Steinfeld is tremendous in the lead role as Nadine, perfectly portraying the duality of brazen adolescent confidence that is in constant conflict with paralyzing self doubt. Kyra Sedgwick bravely exposes herself in what could quite honestly be her best supporting role ever. Woody Harrelson is typically male using humor to deflect the tough awkwardness of serious situations and then underscores the same situations with the care and deep insight found in our favorite teachers or people we know. What makes this film work so well is the realization that we've all been these characters at some point. The Edge Of Seventeen will enthrall and resonate with those of us who get that we are all a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal muddling our way into the sexting/Match.com age.

People are fond of comparing "Edge Of Seventeen" to the teen flicks of the 1980s like "Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles." They are alike only in spirit. Growing up today is even more stressful than it was for the teens in those earlier films and this film pulls no punches in presenting their world in the 2000s. The central character, Nadine, is faced with a lot more than not being noticed or trying to live up to her parent's plans for her. However, she has a longtime friend and a sympathetic teacher to smooth out the rough patches at the beginning of the film. What could possibly go wrong? Almost everything. Ironically, many of the problems she is suffering through are brought about by Nadine, herself. Not being a teen, I don't really know how accurately the film depicts their life today, but to me the script is insightful and warm with a lot insightful life-lesson footnotes from her teacher (Woody Harrelson). At the same time, a ton of high school references that never seem to really change are part of the plot. Pay close attention to Nadine's brother's speech late in the movie for additional understanding of the teen's life. Raise a fist and enjoy the ride.

Every so often Hollywood makes a smart film about teenagers (THE SPECTACULAR NOW, THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, MEAN GIRLS, and on the edgier indie side of things Kenneth 'Manchester BTS' Lonnergan's MARGARET and Barry Jenkins recent Best Picture winner MOONLIGHT). Hailee Steinfeld does an admirable job in a comedy/drama that will hopefully increase her stardom (like the great teen movie EASY A did for Emma Stone). TEo17 is not quite as impressive as the aforementioned films, yet ranks above other good teen films like the mostly entertaining Mae Whitman vehicle THE DUFF. You should also see Hailee in a small part as Mark Ruffalo's daughter in John Carney's underrated pseudo-musical BEGIN AGAIN (and then see his next film, the excellent pseudo-musical teen movie SING STREET).

I saw the trailer for this several months ago and did't give it a second thought. I thought it would be similar to the plethora of sloppy drivel out there that is made for young audiences but it was a shock after I rented it that it was a film that was funny, relatable and believable. I thought the cast was fantastic. The story was not sappy or predictable but made you think of how you felt when you were the age of the protagonist. Just a great solid film with awesome stand out performances by the core cast.

The Edge of Seventeen is a good coming of age movie anchored with strong performances by Hailee Steinfeld and the supporting cast. The audio and picture quality of the Blu Ray are on par with the quality we would expect from the latest releases on the format. If you have seen the movie, then you have probably already made up your mind on whether to buy or not buy the movie. If you are blind buying I would say go for it, especially if you like movies with High School drama and a touch of comedy.

This is a great movie and I highly recommend it for anyone who has lost a loved one and struggled or someone who has had a difficult relationship with their sibling. The movie is full of heartwarming comedy and plot twists.

A great great movie about ta girl struggling through her teenage years and learning to make the best of things. This is a movie a lot of people can relate too. It has down moments but also has comedic moments. Hailee Steinfeld is superb in this! She perfectly executes the typical teenager who is focused on her own tragedies and refuses to see the world around her. Highly recommended

In the clasic setting of Sixteen Candles and Breakfast Club, this is the makings of a cult clasic