No, there's not a smidgen of doubt about where this film is headed. The story is so by-the-book that we know every plot thread's outcome immediately, and we're left in the hands of the director and actors to flesh out the roles and find something worth hanging around for. Fortunately they're all capable, and there's plenty here to keep us interested amid the improbabilities (Sara adjusts alarmingly quickly to her new environment, Sara and Derek amazingly find an abandoned loft where they can practice dance moves, and so on). Performances are superb--Stiles gets her meatiest role yet and shines in it. And Carter keeps the tone sober and surprisingly edgy for the genre (when did we last see a solemn teen romance?). Yet despite this serious mood, the profound racial issues in the story are only touched upon. It seems like a lost opportunity to really struggle with ideas of family, community, perceptions and racism in all its forms. But at least it's a start.

adult themes, language, some violence

27.Mar.01

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