Movie Breakdown: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

Pre-Screening Stance:

Writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig hit a home run with The Edge of Seventeen, and my gut says she’ll follow it up with a quality adaptation of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

Post-Screening Ramble:

Like any good movie, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. plays nicely for a variety of ages. If you’ve got a tween in your house, I think there’s a lot for them to pull from and relate to in this classic coming of age tale. Or if you’re like me – old – the film does well to remind you of the trials and tribulations of being a kid and that awkward push everyone has to make towards growing up. Kudos to writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig for being able to navigate such a fine line, and for putting together something that’s just so enjoyable and relatable. On the performance front, Abby Ryder Fortson, who plays Margaret, holds her own with some very sweet, endearing work, but the film itself is propped up by Rachel McAdams, Benny Safdie, and Kathy Bates. The trio serve as Margaret’s mother, father, and grandmother, and I don’t know if they could be any more likable or lively in their roles. Or really, maybe it’s just that the three of them – and the film overall – each embody the best parts I remember about my own family and childhood, which again just goes to show that Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is rather wonderfully crafted.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. opens in theaters tomorrow, April 28. It’s a winner.

One Last Thought:

Is the book Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. still controversial? I was wondering this as I watching the movie. Actually, now that I think about it, I’m just going to go ahead and assume that it is since people like to complain about everything.