In fact, Julia Roberts (whose doing her usual Julia Robert's style acting - so not bad, just what we've come to expect from her) had better watch out - these youths will be the superstars of tomorrow, and could well take away her Best Actress Ever tag!

Among them are Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhal, Julia Stiles and Topher Grace (although that last one isn't female, but he certainly proves his worth in this film and is surely someone to look out for!). In fact, The best parts of this film are when the students are on screen. Fun, attractive and easily the most exciting bit of the film.

Because other than that, it's quite exceptionally boring. School lessons were never fun, and when they appear in this film, it almost as if you are back in class again. Authenticity is great, but not when it's something as snooze worthy as that.

Another annoying factor is how everything in the film is related to art. Art is obviously a big factor of the film, but life doesn't always have a relevence in art. So that aspect of the film seemed forced, and at times over sentimental.

But it's hard not to get wrapped up in the young students lives. Will they marry and follow the tradition, or take on a job and be pro-feminist. By the end, you will care for each and every character, and want them to make the right choice.

Maggie Gyllenhal's sexpot temptress, and Dunst's conflict with Roberts teacher are surely the standout moments in the film.

But come the overly schmaltzy end, was this film really worth it? It only lasts for a school calender year, and as the film never shows what actually happens to the students when they leave college, it seems like a lot of feminist movement preaching and ideas had been shoved down our throat without a conclusion as to whther any of it helped the characters or not. It's not a bad film, it is just incomplete.

Extras wise, we get input from all the main cast on the film, and some slightly interesting info comparing colleges and female life then and now.

I've read mixed reviews but it was brilliant!
Review date: 2005-08-31 Rating: 10 out of 10

I've read mixed reviews about this film. However I would definately recommend it, WE thoroughly enjoyed it (proving its not a girls film either!) The characters are so true to life and its the kind of film that really makes you realise life is about being true to yourself.
I hope you rent or buy it and enjoy it as much as we did.

Made us smile
Review date: 2005-05-17 Rating: 6 out of 10

This is the type of film that Sunday afternoons were invented for. Nice gentle pace and Julia Roberts superb as ever. An interesting insight to the US upper class in the 1950's....
best seen with partner in hand and big box of choclates.

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