Movie spotlight
Anywhere but Here
Single mother Adele August is bad with money, and even worse when it comes to making decisions. Her straight-laced daughter, Ann, is a successful high school student with Ivy League aspirations. When Adele decides to pack up and move the two of them from the Midwest to Beverly Hills, Calif., to pursue her dreams of Hollywood success, Ann grows frustrated with her mother's irresponsible and impulsive ways.
Insights
Plot Summary
A precocious teenage girl and her eccentric mother relocate from a small, bohemian community in Michigan to the affluent enclave of Beverly Hills, California. The move is driven by the mother's ambition for her daughter's future, while the daughter navigates the challenges of adolescence, identity, and a strained mother-daughter relationship amidst the glitz and superficiality of their new surroundings.
Critical Reception
Anywhere but Here received mixed reviews from critics. While performances, particularly Natalie Portman's debut, were often praised, the film's narrative and themes were seen as somewhat uneven and melodramatic by many.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for Natalie Portman's compelling performance in her debut role.
Criticized for a predictable plot and uneven tone, oscillating between comedy and drama.
Susan Sarandon's performance as the flamboyant mother was a highlight for many.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's focus on the mother-daughter dynamic and the performances. Some viewers found the story relatable in its exploration of ambition and growing up, though others felt it lacked depth.
Awards & Accolades
Natalie Portman was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role.
Fun Fact
This film marked the feature film debut of Natalie Portman, who was discovered by casting director Shana Landsburg at a pizza restaurant.
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