Movie Review: All the Real Girls

Story: This little heartfelt film snuck up on me. I had no idea I would like it as much as I did and I am still thinking about it. Because of this lingering mental flow I gladly shout kudos to young director and co-writer David Gordon Green (George Washington). This film also won the Emotional Truth award at this year's Sundance festival. Emotional truth?

It is a love and loss story that could have easily gone the route of a young, drippy story, filled with 'who cares - been there, done that' crap. Instead we are introduced to some very ordinary people who slowly endear themselves to us and make us care about what happens to them.

We meet wounded souls (including a two-legged dog) all over this small mill town located in North Carolina. Director Green mixes amateurs with professional actors which works better at some times than at other times. We are witness to the young couple as their love slowly develops. Ordinary things such as the landscape come alive to the young couple (and us) in what could be a very uninteresting town. True love simply and poetically lifts the spirit and we can become better people for it (or at least that is what I think Gordon was trying to say).

Go see this little film and enjoy! Let your spirit soar.

Acting: Zooey Deschanel (Almost Famous, The Good Girl) is fabulous as Noel. Paul Schneider (who looks like a very young Dennis Quaid to the point of distraction) also co-wrote this film and is terrific. The supporting cast, including the always terrific Patricia Clarkson, work well. I wish I remembered all of their names and could give them ample credit.

Predilection: None.

Critters: A cow, lots of dogs (including a two-legged one) and chickens.

Food: There is a diner scene that includes the discussion of fatty foods such as bacon which had me chuckling out loud.

Visual Art: Some really bad motel art.

Blatant Product Placement: Pabst beer

Soundtrack: Terrific - actually, perfect.

Opening Titles: Simple yellow type on a black background.

Theater Audience: A handful of appreciative folks.

Sappy Factor: 0 - This could have been a doozie of a sapfest...but it was not.

Quirky Meter: 2

Predictability Level: Low

Oscar Worthy: I don't no -- maybe for original screenplay.

Nit Picking: No nits to pick.

Big Screen or Rental: Go for the big screen and support some of our young film makers. Patricia Clarkson who is underutilized in this film has made some fabulous films for you to rent including: Far From Heaven, Welcome to Collinwood, The Pledge, Joe Gould's Secret, The Green Mile and The Untouchables.

Length: 110 minutes.

LOBO HOWLS: 7