Bigoudis et Permanente

I had the pleasure of seeing this movie at the VA film festival and was so pleasantly surprised at how funny, light heart-ed, and family friendly (13 and up) it was. I understand why more females are rating this movie higher, because I could not see my husband and his buddies relating to it. (no guns,explosions or man man stuff) But if you want to see a smart,feel good, laugh out loud, and have a good time movie this is it. I laughed so much, I totally had, that hair at that age. I am going with my two daughters to see Permanent when opens in LA, I think it is going to be a great fun girls night out. I love Patricia Arquette in this movie and Rainn Wilson completely broke out of his "Dwight role" I can not believe he was funnier than expected. Kira McLean was such a great little actress, really funny and held her own with such large names working on this film, I look forward to seeing more from her.

Decent watch, probably won't watch again, but can recommend.

The biggest problem with this is that it is just awkward. Rainn Wilson is really good, but odd as a straight man. He was a serious, but goofy character in "The Office", but this is different: he's serious bordering on sad here with a marriage in jeopardy.

The oddest bit is that this is the one movie that Kira Mclean has stared in, she not only leads this movie well, but carries the movie easily. She goes all in with young teen angst in each of the story lines she's in as she's in every story line except for the weirdness with mom almost leaving dad.

This is a fine movie, it's a decent coming of age story, "new kid at the school", renewed love, and "finding self" all mixed together, but it's just presented in the weirdest way possible, which I think is all for the setting of "small hick town".

Like it's time setting, this film reminds me of something that might have meant something to someone from a different era. Stories like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever come to mind. The story is odd but not weird enough, honest but not brave enough, sweet but not memorable enough, but altogether enjoyable and cute. The real stand-out is Arquette in a strange, remarkable, endearing performance that is one of my favorites of her career. Her indelible charm is on display as this peculiar take as a frustrated wife and mother.

And family.

This is an odd movie - and I love odd movies. Some people called it slow. I didn't think it was slow at all. Obviously they have never ever had trouble with their hair. And family. Nor been the new kid - at any age facing all kinds of new demands and challenges that seem ..... enormous, unending, unachievable, and just plain stupid.

Is it fast paced? Nope. ROTHL? Nope. Is it worth your time? Yep.

Enjoy.

A coming of age story with genuine characters where the child isn't the only one growing up. Patricia Arquette's performance is so effective that I felt her character's awkwardness. However, the story arc and resolution feels a little too easy, especially in a film where the characters are so realistic and genuine.