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 ...

Girl in the Basement: A Disturbing Story That’s Hard to Shake Off

Girl in the Basement is a film that might easily be overlooked as just another made-for-TV movie, but that would be a mistake. It’s actually a surprisingly well-crafted and emotionally gripping film, especially considering its television origins. Image by Senscritique A Heartbreaking, True Story The story at the heart of Girl in the Basement is absolutely heartbreaking. We’ve all seen movies that claim to be "Based on real events," but this one is different. It doesn’t take liberties with the truth for the sake of drama. In fact, it tones down the horrific reality of the true story it’s based on, which is almost unheard of. After researching the actual events, it’s clear why the filmmakers made this choice—it would have been too much to bear otherwise. Image by Heavy.com Genuine Suspense and Engagement It’s been a long time since a film had me so actively engaged in the moment. The suspense in Girl in the Basement is palpable. From the first moment, I found myself anxious...

Ratings Central - Movies

Search This Blog