Review of Flipped (2010) by Kenneth L — 30 Aug 2012

This is a cute, under-the-radar movie from Rob Reiner. Itâ(TM)s his best film in quite a while, maybe since Sleepless in Seattle. Itâ(TM)s a good example of a film I would call âsentimentalâ? and ânostalgicâ? without any derision.

The story, set mostly in 1963, focuses on Juli and Bryce, a couple of suburban eighth-graders who have grown up across the street from each other. Juli has been in love with Bryce since 2nd grade, but Bryce has always been put off by her crush. Just as events conspire to make him see her in a positive new light, however, she also begins to see him differently, and not for the better.

Madeline Carroll and Callan McAuliffe are both very appealing in the lead roles. Carroll is so sweet and genuine and unguarded that you canâ(TM)t help but emotionally invest in her. McAuliffeâ(TM)s character is initially more off-putting, but it becomes touching to watch his moral and emotional growth. Itâ(TM)s always a treat to see good olâ(TM) John Mahoney (Frasierâ(TM)s dad on Frasier), and here is character is especially warm and wise. Unfortunately, the movie leaves him out too much towards the final third.

Aesthetically, the movie is a perfect nostalgic period piece. The costumes, sets, and constant pop-music soundtrack all create a fondly remembered version of the late 1950s/early 1960s. The cinematography makes everything sunny and shiny and airy. Itâ(TM)s a very pretty movie overall. I would have left out the narration in the final scene, though; itâ(TM)s not really necessary. Still, though, this is a sweet and charming movie whose half-and-half narrative structure helps make it stand out in the crowd.