“Thirteen”

Although it took the film a good two months to come here, the

hit indie drama, “Thirteen,” finally opened in Fort Collins over

the weekend.

The film stars Evan Rachel Wood as thirteen-year-old Tracy,

whose life and wellbeing enter a downward spiral after she becomes

friends with popular “bad girl,” Evie (played by Niki Reed who also

co-wrote the film). Evie exposes Tracy to the wiles of drugs,

alcohol, sex and crime until Tracy’s lifestyle accumulates into a

dangerous ball of destructive behavior.

The always-great Holly Hunter stars as Tracy’s mom, Mel, who is

fun-loving in her own right, though in a more controlled and

healthy way than her daughter. Mel’s kindness and generosity cause

her to consistently be taken advantage of by her friends and

family, which allows for the manipulative Evie to quickly worm her

way into Mel’s home and family.

“Thirteen” is an extremely honest portrayal of teen-age America.

It is a film every parent needs to see and most kids probably won’t

want their parents to see. I was reminded of “Kids” when watching

this film, but I think “Thirteen” is a much more realistic and

communicative portrait of today’s youth.

The movie is not a collective representation of every young

person in America, but I did recognize the types of destructive

behavior exuded by several people I knew growing up or who are in

my life today. The film focuses primarily on teen-age girls, but

the messages contained transcend to both sexes. “Thirteen” is not

one of those feel-good teen films like “She’s All That” or “10

Things I Hate About You,” but an eye-opening film about the other,

less positive and cheerful side of teen-age life.

3.5 out of 4

Movies in Brief

“In the Cut”

Hollywood sweetheart Meg Ryan sheds her “good girl” image, along

with her clothes, in the stylish new thriller, “In the Cut,” which

takes a dark and uncompromising look at sex, relationships, murder

and obsession.

Fans of Meg Ryan from her previous, more wholesome roles will

potentially be very turned off, however, despite a somewhat slow

pace, I applaud “In the Cut” for its daringness and far from

candy-coated approach.

“Cut’s” top notch performances are enhanced by the film’s moody,

stylish camerawork and lyrical nature.

3 out of 4

“Brother Bear”

Despite a self-assured formula and a few quality moments

scattered here and there, “Brother Bear” is missing that special

something that makes so many other Disney films such great

classics.

Young kids will undoubtedly find a lot to like in “Brother

Bear,” but there is not much within the film to impress those of us

over the age of eight. “Brother Bear” feels like Saturday morning

cartoon fare compared to past Disney masterpieces.

2.5 out of 4