"Now and Then"

One of the first movies that came to mind for me when thinking about those pivitol growing up years was "Now and Then," a movie I remember seeing in junior high with my girlfriends and one I can now relate to as an adult.

Set in a small town in the early 70s, the movie shows four childhood girlfriends during their early teenage years and adulthood, many years later. It jumps back in both, showing many of the girls defining moments and firsts in their lives, and the current joys and struggles they have with life-relationships, careers, exc. One of the main characters is now going to have a baby, which is part of why they are looking back on their childhood. Each girl learns a big life lesson throughout the movie and it shows what she is up to know and how she ended up "growing up," as well as how she is still continuing to grow.

I believe it appeals to young girls because even though it was set somewhat in the past, we can all related to feelings of akwardness, not fitting in, liking someone for the first time, friendships, and new, scary experiences. Many can relate to not having one or more parents in the picture, as well as some of the other struggles the characters face. The movie effectively combines humorous and sorrowful scenes, which engage the audience.

I personally like the film because I could relate to it then, and now, (hence the title of the movie, ha-ha) and I am sure I will be able to later on when I am even closer to the age of the women in the story. Many of the situations the characters face are realistic. Even though I have both parents in my life, the girl who had no mom reminded me of stories my mother told me about her as she was growing up, and the character whose parents were getting divorced had a situation similiar to many of my friends growing up. I could also very much relate to the girl who body image issues. Now I can relate to the women that are older, because like them, many of my friends are in different places in their lives-some are married, some have kids, some are single, some have careers, exc. Finally, the acting is also well-done. It is fun to see many big-time actresses on there such as Melanie Griffith, Demi Moore, Rosie O'Donnel, and Christina Ricci.