There are some things to like about this movie, and some things to not like about it.

Let's start with what not to like about it. I suppose that you could take any one aspect of this girl's life (the main character) and say okay. But let's see -- she and her mother are homeless due to abuse, her mother is an alcoholic, her mother loses her job, her dog has a major tumor that may or may not be cancerous, and her mother gets killed in a car accident. Meanwhile, the girl is teaching an ESL class, volunteering in a nursing home, planning the school variety show, trying to get into Carnegie-Mellon...and works. It's like the old cliche of throwing in everything including the kitchen sink. Too much on the plate to make it seem remotely believable.

But if you can get past the excess, there is a good and ultimately uplifting story here. First, the girl's friends rallying around her. Second, an anonymous savior (in terms of finance...although rather unbelievable, too). And the inner strength some people have.

There's also some very good acting here. Aulii Cravalho plays Amber, the teen lead, and she is fantastic here. This young lady has a future! Rhenzy Feliz, who plays her best friend , shows promise. You'll remember Judy Reyes from "Scrubs". Justina Machado plays Amber's mother; I've seen her in a couple of things, and she is a good actress. It seemed like an odd choice of roles for Fred Armisen to take as a teacher here; he's okay. And the big surprise is Carol Burnett as the nursing home resident.

Let me put it this way. It firmly held my attention, despite its excesses.

All Together Now (3 out of 5 stars).

All Together Now is a fair drama film about an optmistic cheery high school teen Amber (Auli'i Cravalho) which her and her alcoholic mother are homeless. Living in a school bus. Amber works in an assisted living. Always volunteering to help others in her school. She gets an invitation to audition out of state for drama club. When life takes a turn. She feels like she is losing control and trying to find a way back.

The story was emotional and has a feel good inspirational tone. Its relatable of hardship. Amber and her mother are homeless. Her mom is trying. But makes poor decisions. Her friends are supportive. The story was a bit sad. And it does turn in an emotional direction.

Auli'i Cravalho performance is great playing as Amber. And taking her character into emotional depth. Her friend Ty played by Rhenzy Feliz was a bit wooden with his acting. Kind of felt out of place with his performance when on screen with her.

The direction was also a bit dull. Which could have been so much to add to the emotional depth of the story and script.

I really liked this movie but it was not the fun, young chick flick I was expecting. Instead it was emotional and heartbreaking but with a wonderful heartwarming ending. It surprised me and I loved it.