Review of Eighth Grade: C-

Although drama movies are not my main genre, I do still thoroughly enjoy them. I like a good cry sometimes, or to really feel a movie hit you in the gut, or question who you are or how you view the world. From the raving reviews I've read and heard about Eighth Grade, I assumed I was in for some of what I love. That just didn't end up being the case.

Eighth Grade is a story about a young adolescent girl's last week of middle-school (for us here in Canada, Public School eighth grade) and the trials and tribulations that come with that, or so the synopsis would have you think. It is about the last week of school, but the girl really doesn't go through a whole lot. She's not ridiculed in school or in public, she's not beaten, abused, neglected, forgotten. Sure, she's an outcast, but she's not even bullied in school. There are two different times throughout the movie that I said to myself, "Ah here we go. Something is finally going to happen," then, nothing did. She simply was allowed out of the situation without real consequences.

There was really no drama in this movie. Sure, it might be an accurate depiction of how an 12 or 13-year-old might be viewing the world, but that isn't what call entertaining at all. The movie really felt like the underlining message was "Don't let your kids use technology so much". There were many, many scenes where that is all the movie shows; the girl scrolling through her phone.

Sure, they do depict that the girl has low self-esteem, and try to show how she attempts to overcome her usual limitations, to no avail I might add. There are pieces of humor through the movie, but only sprinkled in here and there, and no rolling on the ground laughing, more like, "Ha that was funny eh?"

Overall, myself and my girlfriend were bored for most of the movie. I kept wondering when something was going to happen. I found the characters forgettable (I don't even know the main characters name right now), the scenes bland and the content its-self very dry. Again, this may be an accurate portrayal of how 13-year-olds look at the world, and the acting wasn't terrible, there just wasn't anything to get excited about here.

Overall score: 4 out of 10 stars

Pros:
- Humor was good
- No graphic violence or coarse language so children could view it

Cons:
- No real plot
- Slow moving
- No real drama
- No action at all

Comments

The Bagman (2024): A Surprising Slow Burn That Defies Expectations

Going into The Bagman , I was fully prepared to sit through a low-budget gorefest, packed with cheap jump scares and predictable plotlines. But to my surprise, what I got was something much more refined—a slow-burn suspense thriller that outshines many bigger-budget projects. The film uses its time wisely, building tension and setting up a compelling atmosphere, while steering clear of the typical pitfalls that drag many horror flicks down. Image by IMDb Slow and Steady Wins the Race This movie doesn’t rush. It takes its time to develop the story, but does so in a way that keeps you mildly hooked. It’s one of those rare films where the slower pacing actually benefits the narrative, allowing each element to breathe and come into focus. You won’t find rapid-fire scares here, but rather a creeping sense of unease that makes you wonder what’s lurking in the shadows. The way The Bagman sets up its "rules"—through a twisted fairy tale—was pure brilliance. By tapping into something

IF: A Great Concept Drowned in Missed Opportunities

Alright, let’s dive into IF , the latest flick that had all the potential to be a heartwarming tale but ended up stumbling over its own premise. Before we get too far in, I must say, I had hopes. Not high hopes, but hopes. With a unique concept and a cast that included Ryan Reynolds, you’d think this film would be a surefire hit. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. IF introduces us to the world of imaginary friends (IFs) and the impact they have on the people who create them. Sounds intriguing, right? Sadly, what starts as a promising setup quickly turns into a muddled mess. The concept is great, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. Image by FirstShowing.net The Good Let’s start on a positive note: Cailey Fleming , who plays Bea, did a remarkable job with what she was given. Her portrayal of a girl caught between childhood and adulthood was nuanced and believable. She brought a sense of maturity to her role while still managing to capture the innocence of being a kid. It's a shame

Inside Out 2: Out of My Mind for Watching or Worth the Emotions?

Alright folks, I recently had the pleasure of seeing “Inside Out 2”. Let’s get this out of the way: I was super pumped for this sequel, but hesitantly optimistic given Disney’s recent track record. How did it fare out? Let’s dive in. Almost There, But Not Quite Mind-Blowing “Inside Out 2” brings back our beloved emotional crew – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear – along with some new faces that shake up Riley’s teenage mind. The gang’s all here, and their banter is just as entertaining as ever. But while the first “Inside Out” was a masterclass in making us feel all the feels, this one doesn’t quite hit the same high notes. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a good time. Imagine going to your favorite ice cream shop, ordering the double fudge sundae, but they give you the single scoop instead. It’s still delicious, but you’re left thinking, “This could have been epic.” That’s “Inside Out 2” in a nutshell – satisfying, but you know it had the potential to be something more. Image by St

Ratings Central - Movies

Search This Blog