If you liked 'Blue Valentine', 'Half Nelson', 'Crazy/Beautiful' or 'All That I Love (2009)' you're certainly gonna like this one.

I wasn't expecting really much to be honest but gave it a try and what a nice surprise it was. Don't expect anything dumb or crazy, another stupid teen flick this is not. Just normal young (but very smart and reasonable) people who struggle to find themselves and try to do something worthwhile with their lives. This film is a pretty good definition of the so called 'Gen Y'. Everything is authentic and it is this film's biggest advantage. So if you're in your early 20's and want to watch a film about people like you, go ahead, you won't be disappointed.

Kudos to John Stockwell. I admire his way of portraying things in an unpretentious, real and laid-back fashion. He really understands this day's youth and should get more credit for it.

i watched this movie a second time recently and it is even more entertaining and compelling on second seeing!

there isn't much i can say here that hasn't been covered by the previous reviews on this page. praise is praise and i cannot praise this movie nor reveal anything the other reviews haven't competently revealed to the reader.

my suggestion is to just watch this story as it is made for people who enjoy great characterization, intelligent dialog, and a story you will naturally find yourself wrapped up into!

it's a shame good cinema gets ignored so in this country!

Studious Grace Berry (Eva Amurri) is denied financial aid for school because her irresponsible mother Rhonda (Susan Sarandon) ruined her credit history. Her sister Taylor (Willa Holland) refuses to lie to get a lawsuit settlement. She works at the water park and needs $12k by the end of the summer to pay for school. Dorian Spitz (Anton Yelchin) is rebelling against his rich family and forced to work at the park. Dorian convinces Grace to sell drugs with him. She falls for rich kid Ben Pretzler (Justin Chatwin). Dorian has a crush on Grace and Taylor is interested in Dorian.

Eva Amurri is not quite right. She's a little too old. Her character is suppose to be a doormat but Eva is never that as a personality. The pull of pairing mother and daughter is not enough to justify the miscast. The family dysfunctions are compelling but not what is done with them. The movie is building some big drama. The actors are all doing good work. The movie just never gets all there.