Review of Crazy/Beautiful (2001) by Donna . — 07 Jan 2008

This movie is pretty good, it's just a shame that Nicole's drug use, drinking, suicide attempts etc, could only be suggested and hinted at and not actually shown, due to its PG 13 rating.

Despite this, the movie manages to get away with just enough to convey to the audience of Nicole's self-destructive behaviour. Although, it isn't until near the end of the film that we learn of her drug use and suicide attempts, from her father. So, throughout most of the movie you never completely feel the seriousness of what she is doing.

Anyway, a higher rating would have caused the film to lose its target audience of young teens, who it's trying to caution away from this type of behaviour.

I liked that the movie was not formulaic eg. the rich girl- rather than the poor boy- being the bad influence.

Overall, the movie is a well-intentioned, cautionary tale, which always has its heart in the right place. The love story is sweet and the two leads are likable. Also, good for Kirsten Dunst for throwing vanity out of the window (eg. letting her hair go greasy), which adds to the believability of her character.

I have to admit though, I much prefer the earlier and very similar Mad Love with Drew Barrymore and Chris O'Donnell, which this movie was obviously inspired by.