Cherry

You know those great little indie films from the states like 'Junebug', 'Thumbsucker' and 'World's Greatest Dad' to name but a few, well now you can add to that list 'Cherry' a charming coming of age human nature piece that each and every one can in some way relate to. It's a simple enough story, Aaron leaves home to embark on his freshman year and falls for an older student Linda, Linda a recovering alcoholic has a wise cracking, old before her years, daughter called Beth, Beth falls for Aaron and a bizarre unrequited love triangle opens up learning curves, home truths and life experience for all three. The great thing about this movie is the quality of the script, the acting and the use of music, no CGI or special effects are needed to convey the very real story contained. It has ups and downs, laughs and gasps and at an hour and a half is perfectly paced. Without sounding twee or patronising if something like Transformers is a beer then this is a nice cup of tea and a sit down, which is no bad thing, some blockbusters feel like being repeated hit in the face with laptop but sometimes you just need to be told a good solid entertaining story, Cherry is just that. I just hope lots of people get to see this film because it deserves it.

Some reviewers are talking about Oscars for this movie, let's just not exaggerate, I'll admit it's an entertaining movie but not an award winning one, not even close to an Oscar. It's an easy watch, something where you don't have to think too much. Some reviewers cried apparently, and I wonder why as there is nothing to cry about. I had some laughs though, there are a couple funny scenes, not hilarious ones but good enough to put a smile on my face. The acting was convincing, from the whole cast. Not sure if the sexes were the other way round if people would still think it's as lovely for a story but that said Cherry is worth a watch.

Writer/director Jeff Fine normally works in TV so this was a departure.

And a good one. Cherry is a solid piece of film-making, and is recommended by this reviewer.

Stories about nerds are not as easy to do as it would seem. Assuming you can set up the character properly -- and Kyle Gallner is wonderfully cast and wonderfully scripted -- you invariably end up with a conundrum.

Either the entire screenplays turns into a comedy (Revenge of the Nerds, American Pie) or you end up awash in pathos.

I am not going to reveal which route Fine takes other than to say he does a good job of avoiding the normal speed traps. Although, typical of these kinds of stories, the first and second Acts are better than the finale.

Laura Allen steals her scenes and is someone every guy wishes he had met in college.

Very unusual role for an early Britt Robertson -- she usually plays the lead, not second fiddle. But a solid performance as always.

I love this movie. I really do. And maybe that's because of my earlier personal experiences in life, but I find this film so relatable. The acting is great, the story is brilliant and I am proud to say it's my new favorite movie (and my previous one was American Beauty).

It's a gem and unfortunately it will never win an Oscar even if it deserves one. It brings out so many emotions in me. I've cried both times I've seen and that's not usual for me.

Now that I've raised the expectations through the roof you might not find it as awesome as I did, but I can assure you it's worth the watch. My words however aren't sufficient enough, my words don't make this movie any justice, you have to see it to understand why it's so great.

I just came from a screening of this movie at Western Michigan University where they filmed parts of the movie. I was so surprised and entertained by the movie. As a native Michigan resident, I loved that it had a homey feel based on how much of the landscape and buildings I recognized. The scenery is beautiful; Michigan in the fall, but maybe I'm biased. The movie is relatable on many levels and can be enjoyed by by anyone. It centers around a young man's experience his first year at college. But anyone can relate to themes of breaking away from the norm, standing up to one's parents and having crazy fun times. I really recommend it.