What Girls Learn (2001)

"What Girls Learn" needed to include a spanking

This movie is cliche and tedious--with a storyline and dialogue reminiscent or an after-school special. Scott Bakula and Elizabeth Perkins are always good, and their performances salvage a rather unconvincing film.

The major flaw in this movie is the central focus on the daughter, Tilden. I suppose the intention was for us to empathize first with her difficulties getting used to a stepfather--and later--with her mother's breast cancer. But this homely little girl is mean, nasty and hostile from start to finish to almost everyone. There are many "teen angst" movies, but they somehow find a way to make the character likeable--or help the audience identify with her plight. With this film you spend two hours waiting for "what girls learn" to include someone teaching this girl to stop being such a selfish, self-centered brat. I am sure this was not the intent of the director of this film, but this little girl's sour look and bad behavior kept me from buying into this story--or caring about her situation. June 18, 2004

What Girls Learn

Scott Bakula is great in this and the rest of the cast, especially the oldest daughter, are also outstanding. A great family movie. November 18, 2003

Powerful yet tender

A seeringly powerful yet tender tale about the turmoil that young women often have to cope with. Wonderful performances by a young cast and even grander performances by the adults. Elizabeth Perkins and Scott Bakula have wonderful on screen chemistry.

Based on a true story, What Girls Learn, is 'almost' a chick flick. A strong and outspoken woman with two daughters falls in love with a man who changes their lives only to meet with tragedy. Yet, despite the 'down' parts, there is great humanity here. Can't imagine a dry eye in the house. November 4, 2003

Unconvincing

The 3 leading ladies had no chemistry what so ever, even when the 3 dare share a bubble bath. The oldest daughter Tilden was the most hateful and unlikable girl I have ever seen. Not one convincing smile crossed her bland face. The lack of chemisty however had nothing to do with actress Elizabeth Perkins who is always a joy on screen. Also Scott Bakula was good too. It all boils down to heavy handed melodrama at it's dullest. August 21, 2003

2 stars for Elizabeth Perkins and Scott Bakula

I was very disappointed in this film mainly in the "actor" who played Tilden. She was a downright raunchy character. No feeling for anyone but herself at all .... even in a traumatic situation.
I didn't care about her at all and she ruined the show for me. Are there really people out there as mean as her?

Elizabth Perkins was great but the storyline was much too contrived. A constant effort to drum up emotion. Hard to believe these films even get made let alone promoted.

The whole inclusion of the boys and "period" was so tacked on. Grrrr.

And lest anyone think I am heartless I do think it was very sad but that's more because my own sister just died of breast cancer and not due to the lame effort of this movie to manipulate my emotions. June 29, 2003

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