The Story:
The story takes place during the end of the 50s and beginning of the 60s. Bryce Loski (Callan McAuliffe) and his family move into town, across from Juli Baker (Madeline Carroll) and her family. Juli is smitten with Bryce from the moment they set eyes on one another, Bryce doesn't feel the same. The movie then shifts forward in their lives recounting various meetings between the two from each others point of view and perspective, providing narration on what they were feeling at the time, and what they were thinking. Will Bryce come around to have feelings for Juli, or will Juli realize that Bryce isn't worth her time?
So if you say "coming of age" movie and "directed by Rob Reiner", what will you be expecting? Most people will automatically think of Stand By Me, and rightfully so. It's a classic in cinema.
However, I think Reiner's career as a director keeps him firmly in my Top 10, maybe Top 5 directors of all time. Lofty praise to be sure, but the guy has delivered many competent films. Were they all blockbusters? Nope, but even Spielberg has his flops over his career.
Reiner's misses are often not failures...they're just not as good as the rest of his canon. However, when you set the bar high with movies including The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men and Misery it's easy to fall a little short over the years.
Apparently he made this one back in 2010, and like his 2012 film, The Magic of Belle Isle, it flew under the radar.
But neither film should have done so. Both were very good, and well worth the time of watching. Again, great coming of age movies that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
The actors all do a great job, especially the kids who have to carry the majority of the movie. The parents are a mix of good character actors. Aidan Quinn is Juli's dad, and he brings his usual touch to a role that provides a bit of meat to their family backstory as the film moves along.
Across the street, Anthony Edwards and Rebecca De Mornay (!!) are Bryce's parents. Hats off to Mr. Edwards for being a completely unlikable dad in this film, playing about as against type as he can get from his days on E.R.
Quietly working behind the scenes to help Bryce understand his feelings and brokering peace between the kids is John Mahoney doing terrific work as the grandfather.
It's a sweet little movie with a great 60s soundtrack to enhance what's happening onscreen.
Very enjoyable little film.
Final Grade: Solid B
Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Again, while not on the same tier as Reiner's best films, it falls into the next level of films, very good, but not great, but definitely not bad. I could let it play again and be content! If I find it for a decent price, I'd snatch it up.
