I really resonated with how the family relationships or lack of support, neglect affected the behaviors. I found this a wonderful example of the power of upbringing to move you forward or leave you empty. I guess it's what I also struggle with and so that's why I really felt this movie. I'm supposed to include ten lines here to get my review posted...hmmm. So much for a little succinct clarity. I also enjoyed the way the story was told. I think the writer and directory, who of course are the same, created a heart felt story without going over the top. She developed the characters and I really empathized with them. I'm almost to ten, there.

I truly enjoyed this movie. I am disappointed to see it has been rated so low. However, I am not surprised as this film has two lead female characters who grapple with issues of identity, sexuality, and companionship just to name a few. This film went much deeper than I expected and it was quite refreshing to see an authentic portrayal of teen women that did not involve some form of objectification and/or oppression.

I work with teens and would consider showing this film to the young women that I work with as a teaching and discussion tool. The two actors were excellent in this movie. I was drawn in and found myself invested with both of the lead females. At the end I definitely had some empathy for Jesse. I have worked with many girls who are like her and now have a better understanding of their motivations.

All in all, an excellent movie.

Tosh and Jessie are friends who both play lacrosse at a rich prep school in DC. Tosh is black and poor; Jessie is white and rich. Can their friendship overcome the social differences that are constantly working against them?

Though the set-up for "Toe to Toe" sounds like teeny-bopper cliché, this is not your standard teeny-bopper movie. It's instead a thoughtful exploration of the importance choice and free will play in setting a straight course in life. One of the things I liked best about it is that it doesn't devolve into a diatribe about the disadvantages blacks face in a white world. Tosh does face inherent challenges that Jessie doesn't, but the movie suggests that the privileges of being white and affluent don't necessarily guarantee one a free ride. In the end, it's Tosh's story that offers the happy conclusion.

The young actresses who play Tosh and Jessie give mature, excellent performances. Both do a great job of capturing the quality of girls who don't have the luxury of being kids, no matter how much they might like to be.

"Toe to Toe" was a nice surprise.

Grade: A-