I just couldn't justify going even a smidge over 6 stars and to be honest I considered going lower. There was some pretty good acting from some of the cast and I liked some of the directing, editing, choices. But the fatal flaw that made this so much less palatable was the lack of understanding and heart in the writing. It was just chock full of those pale reflections of good values and real heart that bear so little resemblance to the actual heart and soul that helps uplift people and guide people to wise and healthy choices that distract and disturb the viewer and lower the value of the movie which otherwise could have gotten a significantly higher rating.
The bad guy can't be seen to be wrong for pressuring the girl and having zero clue how to value her and respect her because the good guy can't or won't do it either. They just both have typical coercive, manipulative, unkind and unfair words to her that if she doesn't want to gratify them physically hurt her for it and act like there is something wrong with her and her choices. The only advice she can get is from a friend who similarly thinks all guys are screwed up and she should just go for it with the guy who seems nicer and has done less of hurting her and proving his lack of respect or love. There is no adult in the film with any better decision making on such timing and depth of commitment for physical intimacy in the past or the present. So the whole thing was almost good except it was a train wreck of having to watch the realities of how bad so many young people have it in a culture that so often does not truly value women or family or human beings at all.
The bad guy can't be seen to be wrong for pressuring the girl and having zero clue how to value her and respect her because the good guy can't or won't do it either. They just both have typical coercive, manipulative, unkind and unfair words to her that if she doesn't want to gratify them physically hurt her for it and act like there is something wrong with her and her choices. The only advice she can get is from a friend who similarly thinks all guys are screwed up and she should just go for it with the guy who seems nicer and has done less of hurting her and proving his lack of respect or love. There is no adult in the film with any better decision making on such timing and depth of commitment for physical intimacy in the past or the present. So the whole thing was almost good except it was a train wreck of having to watch the realities of how bad so many young people have it in a culture that so often does not truly value women or family or human beings at all.