Uptown Girls

Uptown Girls

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Movie Reviews of Uptown Girls

Movie Review: wonderful movie--Fanning absolutely shines
Summary: 5 Stars

While there are some parts of this film that I personally feel brought a little clutter and confusion to the story (the whole beginning with Brittany Murphy's character Molly and the guy she brings home, as well as Molly's quick and random loss of all her money, just did not flow the right way; maybe it's just me, though), "Uptown Girls" really picked up as soon as young Molly Gunn (Murphy), a spirited, youthful young party girl begins her first major job as a nanny to 8-year-old Ray Schleine (Dakota Fanning). While the two can relate to and appreciate one another in some intense ways--Molly copes with her parents' death through playful and childish behavior, while little Ray handles her parents' emotional absences through a hard, angry, and unrelenting mask--it takes time for them to grow comfortable with each other's help. Part of what helps makes the storyline so realistic is that it doesn't begin with Molly and Ray hating each other and then quickly shift them into a sappy relationship where they become the best of friends. Even as they begin getting along and opening up more to each other, many halts and challenges cloud their gradual friendship throughout the film. Molly wants to care for the child and share her youthful charm with her, but Ray is not about to let down her defenses until she knows exactly who this Molly Gunn is and what kind of influence she will have on her life.

The storyline moves very slowly at parts, but the excellent acting and the faithful innocence of the plot make it a truly worthwhile film that many can enjoy.

The two leading actresses work extremely well with their roles, creating in-depth characters that we can slowly but surely feel for as the movie progresses. Brittany Murphy is wonderful and has a very childlike innocence to her that made the role of Molly Gunn perfect for her. As for 9-year-old Dakota Fanning.... I absolutely cannot get over her. Every once in a great, great, great while, Hollywood releases a child who starts appearing over and over and shows signs of greatness, and Fanning is just that type of little girl. This young actress is just incredible--I was watching and listening to her in the DVD's short featurette about the making of the film (there's a priceless segment in it with Dakota imitating the paparazzi) and was just in awe. This little girl has amazing maturity, is smart as a whip, and has tremendous talent. She knows exactly what's going on around her, and she's about as "with it" as any of the leading adult actors out there. I just know that Dakota is going to be the next Shirley Temple--the next child phenom who will, for the rest of her life, put light in the sometimes dark world and make people feel peaceful and happy with her films. Given a few more years, Dakota is going to have the whole world noticing her--Hollywood has already made sure of this by putting her in many diverse and increasingly mature roles. She's done a little drama (I Am Sam), science fiction (Taken), children's films (Cat In the Hat), fairytale-drama (Uptown Girls), and will soon take on her biggest, most intense role yet with Denzel Washington in the action thriller "Man On Fire." I just love the way Hollywood is using her maturity to their advantage yet is still allowing her to maintain that hopeful, gentle, and innocent glow that can establish her as a true inspirational fixture throughout her life. They certainly are not holding back with little Dakota--she may be only nine years old, but she's not just a cute little movie child with enough talent to carry a movie or two. She's got the fire and determination to go all the way, perhaps farther than any other child star has ever gone. It sounds extreme, but that's just how good she is, and there's this amazing promise she carries that almost cannot be explained--just embraced and believed. At 18 years old, I truly admire her; I wish her all the best, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what she becomes in the future.

I guess I got a little off track here, talking more about Dakota Fanning herself than the movie...but all in all, "Uptown Girls" is a great, sentimental story that may bring a tear or two to your eye. As determined to motivate as it is to stress the importance of sharing emotions, "Uptown Girls" may be a great choice if you're looking for something powerful and ultimately uplifting, topped off with some inspired acting.

Summary of Uptown Girls