Csquared

CsquaredThis film ages like wine—I've come to love it more as it (and myself) have gotten older. I've always liked it for its charming side characters, quotable moments, and sassy protagonist, but it's only with time I understood the real balancing act this film plays between humor and heaviness. On paper it's just a teenage girl who lies her way into ostracization and notoriety for seemingly no reason other than entertainment. In reality, the movie is a close examination of how even the most sensible of kids can get in-over-their-heads from a small mistake that spirals out of control, and how something may feel like a game until it's suddenly not. The film manages to present these issues tactfully, weaving in wit, humor, and charm that help offset the heaviness of its topic without downplaying it. The dialogue is sharp and full of quotable moments, the side characters are lovable and memorable, and the cast is A+. Most of all, it's just really nice to see healthy and trusting familial relationships in a teen flick. Come for Emma Stone, stay for Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson.