Are You there God? It’s Me Margaret Review

Entertainment - Media News Watch originally published at Entertainment - Media News Watch

PLOT: A young girl finds herself struggling after her family moves away from the city. Based on the popular novel of the same name, by Judy Blume.

REVIEW: My recollection of Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret is a very vague film. I knew Judy Blume, and perhaps had read some of her works, but not the story of a preteen. Even though I knew the actors, I was not excited about the film. Then, I went to a movie. Maybe it was the charm of the beautiful and vibrant Rachel McAdams in the role of Margaret’s mother? Sure. What about Kathy Bates’ wonderful performance as Margaret’s loving grandmother? Yes, yes, yes. Abby Ryder Fortson is also a wonderful Margaret. Kelly Fremon Craig is the star of this film. Let’s dig in and see if Margaret’s prayers get answered.

Margaret (Fortson) is a happy girl living with her adorably quirky parents, played by McAdams and Benny Safdie. It’s not until they move from the city that Margaret loved to a suburban neighborhood far away. Margaret is forced to start over once they settle down in their new neighborhood. The three girls, along with their new friends Nancy (Elle Graham), and Price (Amari Alexandris), start a competition to become womanly. Even so, being away her grandmother (the excellent Kathy Bates), takes its toll. Will Margaret find a religion that she can relate to? Will she ever adjust to her new environment? It’s a delight to find out the answers. I was captivated by the humor and heart. The big-screen version of Are You there God?

is a delightful adaptation. It’s Me Margaret has a delightful feel. It’s fast-paced, entertaining, and surprising engaging for audiences of any age. Kelly Fremon Craig creates stories that are far more universal than you might expect. She did wonders in the The Edge of Seventeen. Margaret plays a slightly younger lead character, but the filmmaker doesn’t skimp on great supporting characters. It is notable how she has treated the source material. The young actress gives Margaret such warmth. Abby’s performance is honest, just like Hailee Steinfeld inThe Edge of Seventeen

. The young actress has a lot of talent and it’s obvious that she is going to follow in the footsteps of Bates and McAdams. The film is successful if you can relate to Margaret. She conveys the happiness and heartbreak of a preteen searching for herself. The script by Craig makes this performance even better. Rachel McAdams is a star as Margaret’s loving, but flawed parents. Benny Safdie is equally impressive. Kathy Bates also shines in her role as a grandmother that adores and supports her granddaughter. The two have some sweet moments together. Even Margaret’s friends Elle Graham and Amari Alexander Price get to shine. When a script treats each character with respect and care it creates a fun and accessible experience. This is how to bring author Judy Blume onto the big screen. This is true at least for the fantastic new feature Are you there God? It’s Me, Margaret. Kelly Fremon Craig, one of the most promising directors in the industry, is a rising star. Both The Edge of Seventeen and this film are heartfelt, honest portraits of young girls. It is a remarkable skill to create stories that are so vibrant and solid, yet can be relatable by audiences of all kinds. You are in for a real treat if you were a fan of Judy Blume. What if you’re still learning who Blume is, or if you’ve never heard of her? It doesn’t really matter. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret