Johanna - Eine (un)typische Heldin

Another film creeping onto a streaming service in the UK, having had it's potential Cinematic release blighted by Covid closures was "How to Build a Girl", a loose (sometime very loose) adaptation of the first part of Journalist and Author Caitlin Moran's autobiography.

Johanna Morrigan (Beanie Feldstein) is a precocious but unpopular girl living in Wolverhampton in the early 90's. Through little more than ability and force of will, she earns herself a job at a London based music magazine, writing reviews. Her career really takes off when she takes on a cruel persona and begins writing scathing and bitter appraisals of the bands of the time. But her success comes at the expense of her relationships with her friends, family and with singer/songwriter John Kite (Alfie Allen).

Not quite nailing the accent, but doing better than most would, Beanie Feldstein does a good job anchoring a film that has flights of extreme fantasy mixed in with its dramatic moments. The film does have its amusing moments, and there's particular joy to be found with the cameos from various people appearing on her "God wall". Alexei Sayle playing Karl Marx is a nice nod for those who know anything about his career.

My trouble was that I don't think there was quite enough story to justify the creation of the film. Admittedly, becoming a respected music critic at 16 whilst living in Wolverhampton is laudable and unusual, but the plot doesn't really have enough to it to make you feel anything other than mildly charmed. Her arrogance, created by so much success so quickly, doesn't really cost her much to overcome, as her family are always reasonably supportive.

As I say, amiable and amusing, but lacking in story beats to make it worthwhile.

How To Build A Girl was an enjoyable, but uneven experience. The story focuses on Johanna, a teenage nerd coming from a Wolverhampton council estate, and gaining a spot at a top music magazine. As the film progresses, Johanna learns the lesson that all critics, editorial columnists, and feature writers must face - her opinions and words on the page have real life consequences.

The execution was a bit of a mixed bag, right down to the character development. While I personally related to the character of Johanna and her discovery of an interest in writing, I found her attempt at moral grandstanding in the middle of the film unsympathetic and off-putting. A good film for what it is, but it could've been better. 6/10.

It's 90's England. Johanna Morrigan (Beanie Feldstein) is a 16 year old outcast at school. She talks to her imaginary famous mentors. Her poor family lives in Wolverhampton. Her father Pat (Paddy Considine) still dreams of being a 70's rock star. Her mother is worn out after having twins. She gets a magazine job and journeys to find herself as music reporter Dolly Wilde.

Of course, this reminds me of Almost Famous. There is a lot in common. This has some of the same autobiographic touches with a coming-of-age story within the music journalism industry. There is one thing that I can't get over. Beanie is trying to be British and it's freaking weird. It sets this off on a note which it does recover eventually. I can't see how there isn't a British teenage girl itching to play this part. Johanna does go full evil before learning her lesson. This is good although I kept thinking that this could have been a breakout performance for an unknown British teen.

5/10 - usually Beanie Feldstein doesn't disappoint, but this movie fell flat on most accounts (and don't even get me started on Beanie's accent)

This film tells a bittersweet coming of age story. I am so glad she finds herself! The protagonist is really engaging, and you just can't help but be drawn to her story. I really liked it.