The first 2/3 of this story is terrific. Lots of heartfelt moments, interesting family interaction, teen angst of course, and real-life drama. All of the performances are very good. Then at about the point of "the party", the whole thing falls apart and becomes a mess of cliches and cringeworthy situations/dialogue. The over-the-top mean girl seems particularly out of place. It's sad when a movie has so much potential and throws it all away. It's almost like maybe a new writer took over towards the end...one who had no idea what the rest of the movie was about. Maybe there was just too much to wrap up and the task became overwhelming? This movie might have worked better as a series or mini-series where all of the characters and situations could have been thoroughly developed and explored. Patricia Arquette is mostly wasted in this lovely little story that turns into a real letdown.
Review of Girl in Progress
