Flipped (10.2010)

With an intriguing way of telling a story and a classical plot of coming of age romance, this film ‘flipped’ me in all the right ways.

It is nice to see a movie re-telling a story from the viewpoint of two different characters. The characters the film follow are Bryce and Juli and we follow how they experience love for the first time…differently. It really adds flavour to the film and kept it exciting even after the introduction of both characters. This was done intelligently, showing only parts of the scene so we do not have to watch to whole scene over again.  Additionally, other scenes that the second character was not even aware of added background information and “oh no!” moments for us to enjoy. However, a few parts of the film become excessively long and the film does lose its initial momentum. Despite the lull mid-movie it ends with a bang and will put a smile on the face of anyone, even your cranky old grandpa/grandma.

Let us not forget the setting of the film and its origin from the book by Wendelin Van Draanen of the same name. Rob Reiner’s representation of coming of age romance during the 50′s is a good adaptation, it includes all the typical 50s themes: prejudice, clothing style, ‘proper’ behaviour, unacceptable social norms (illness, poverty, etc) and overall uniqueness of America after the Second World War. With the abundance of men returning home and starting lives with theirs wives there are many families created. That is really how this ‘girl next door’ story is so prevalent in a time of high-rate childbirth. It is a little unfortunate in the sense that not many people can relate to such a story, since we live in a time where that is not as prevalent, nevertheless it is an excellent representation of the 50s.

How cute!

Despite this the movie is able to draw anyone in with one universal theme, young love. At first it seems silly and awkward, but eventually it blooms when both parties are involved. Again another great thing about the film is how it depicts the opposite sex reacts to certain social situations and what may seem normal to one sex is highly inappropriate for the other. Audience members will nod in approval or perhaps slink further into the couch depending on their sex. This can ignite some awkward moments between you and your friends , but on the other hand you may learn something about them you did not know before!

Overall the themes in this film are universal and they include lots of awkward, cute, dramatic, heart-breaking, change in heart, and funny moments for all to behold. I like.

8 High Fives! out of 10