The Straight Dope

This film is pretty freakin' good and I'll tell you why. At first, you'd think it was hipster preppy bullshot from newbie wannabe filmmakers with nothing but the usual half-assed smart-aleck predictable schlock about how "we're young and stupid but cool and better than you" like every other movie released in the last 10 years... and some of them are ok but most SUCK. This flick, however, is actually pretty brave when you come down to brass tax and here's why. First, the two main characters (Harper and Allie) are sadistically engaging but not afraid of looking absolutely ridiculous and exposed while still maintaining a reasonable sense of self respect. Second, you pretty much hate everybody in the movie until the very end and that's ok because the one person who grows in character provides the true payoff for the whole lot... accepting herself on her own terms rather than being judged unfairly by others. Third, there's a general feeling of bliss entrenched in total chaos that I can't quite explain but I like a whole freaking lot. The journey is well worth it... did I mention they are on their way to the beach? Oh well, I won't ruin everything. And there are lots of exposed beach boobies at one point during this adventure but we won't dwell on that right now (it's awesome though). There are also kittens, but Harper calls them "kiddens" like a true New Yorker. One of the best parts of the movie is when the two main characters go to the park to see Benji (some hot bisexual) and his "harem of bitches" (gay male groupies) who engage in some of the best comic interplay you've seen in ages. Another great scene involves the girls' desperate attempt to borrow a car from two control freak lesbians (they're not together though) in an effort to reach Fort Tilden. The rude awakening awaiting our two unsuspecting fools is nothing short of heartbreaking and enlightening, just as this film succeeds in being. I actually enjoyed it and do recommend it to the indie crowd. You know who you are. It's a lot like Sideways but for girls.