A more gritty teen film

Rating: 3/10 (28 September 2013)

I agree with the other reviewers who have said that this is in no way an average high school movie. While others tend to apply a more rose tinted view or even a version of how adults perceive it to be this film has a feel of being authentic about it.
The cast are all pretty much unknowns to me but play their roles very strongly, they capture all the heart and warmth of the subject matter while dealing equally with some very heavy issues. Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame is the big name going in though and once you get used to her American accent you realise what a talent she is.
My only negative point is that the film should be higher than a 12 certificate. The blurb on the DVD box makes it sound much more cheery but be warned that there are some pretty dark and disturbing moments within the running time. I think a 15 certificate would be more suitable.