Although Ted Demme nephew of Jonathan Demme has more experience in TV productions - telefilms, teleseries or minis - in Beautiful Girls, which is perhaps not the most appropriate title as it could mislead you to expecting something rather more frivolous, he has managed to put together a memorable film.
Hardly surprising! Getting together really good actors like Matt Dillon, Uma Thurman, Natalie Portman, Timothy Hutton and Mira Sorvino all in the same film, as well as a worthy bunch in the supporting cast, is almost a guarantee in itself. I say `almost' as besides having renowned actors it is essential that the director is also up to the mark. And Ted Demme carries it off rather well in this film.
Natalie Portman's portrayal of a thirteen-year-old curious neighbour is not to be missed at any price! Her part had me remembering Mischa Barton in `Lawn Dogs' (1997)
The characterisation is good very good and the dialogues are excellent, almost like seeing a live play in a theatre, but with New England snowy scenery thrown in for good measure. And it is the good measure that helps build this film into an all round good result.
The theme is not new: ex school chums come together again some years later with all their foibles to attend a high school reunion, and certain old memories and jealousies spring up. Something similar happens in `Peter's Friends', a very recommendable film if you have not seen it. Ted Demme manages to mix his ingredients rather well, such that the outcome is just about up to the level of the British film.
Hardly surprising! Getting together really good actors like Matt Dillon, Uma Thurman, Natalie Portman, Timothy Hutton and Mira Sorvino all in the same film, as well as a worthy bunch in the supporting cast, is almost a guarantee in itself. I say `almost' as besides having renowned actors it is essential that the director is also up to the mark. And Ted Demme carries it off rather well in this film.
Natalie Portman's portrayal of a thirteen-year-old curious neighbour is not to be missed at any price! Her part had me remembering Mischa Barton in `Lawn Dogs' (1997)
The characterisation is good very good and the dialogues are excellent, almost like seeing a live play in a theatre, but with New England snowy scenery thrown in for good measure. And it is the good measure that helps build this film into an all round good result.
The theme is not new: ex school chums come together again some years later with all their foibles to attend a high school reunion, and certain old memories and jealousies spring up. Something similar happens in `Peter's Friends', a very recommendable film if you have not seen it. Ted Demme manages to mix his ingredients rather well, such that the outcome is just about up to the level of the British film.