Le rêve de Frankie

This is a very enjoyable "coming of age" film that the girls will love and the boys will loathe. Frankie and Hazel are girlfriends. Frankie has been studying ballet for nine years, standing in the shadow of her mother, who had been a prima ballerina before her untimely death. Since then, Frankie has been raised by her grandmother, who wants nothing but that she follow in her mother's footsteps. It's not that Frankie doesn't want to be a ballerina, but that she doesn't "just" want to be a ballerina. Indeed, the day comes when she starts thinking about boys, and that leads her to taking an interest in baseball. That is, she tries out for membership in a baseball team composed entirely of boys her age.

In contrast, Hazel is something of an outspoken feminist, who at the age of thirteen presumes to run against the mayor of their obviously small town. In fact, there are recorded cases of adolescents from small towns doing that, so it is at least believable. Also, there is no reason to deny that a girl interested in ballet couldn't also take an interest in baseball, unlikely though it may seem. Therefore, the story makes a convincing case for both of their interests. The reason why the "girls" will love it is because girls are represented seriously, unwilling to stand on the sidelines of life, and for just that reason, their ambitions tend to annoy the boys. Boys don't "want" girls to be competing with them on their turf because it adds too many other complications. Not much depth here, but a pleasant story.

Boring children's fantasy that gives Joan Plowright star billing but little to do. Sappy kids pursue their dreams. Frankie wants to be a ballerina and a baseball player (yuk) while best-friend Hazel runs for mayor---she's 13! Totally pedestrian in every way, plus the added disadvantage of syrupy performances by the girls as well as the baseball boys. Certainly a lesser effort for Showtime---no limits?

A great storyline with a message. Joan Plowright is superb as "Phoebe", Mike Kopsa is hilarious as "coach" and Richard de Klerk plays the role of "Carmine" superbly. Mischa Barton as "Frankie" puts in a good performance and Ingrid as "Hazel" plays her first lead extremely well. This film is superbly directed by Jo-Beth Williams. The editing is first rate.

"Frankie and Hazel" is a supersanitized perfect world family flick which tells of the antics of two best friend small town pubescent girls who support each other as they pursue radically different aspirations. Frankie is ballet student who wants to play boy's baseball while Hazel wants to run for mayor. Good family fun especially for families with girls.

An excellent family movie... gives a lot to think on... There's absolutely nothing wrong in this film. Everything is just perfect. The script is great - it's so... real... such things could happen in everyone's life. And don't forget about acting - it's just awesome! Just look at Frankie and You'll know what I thought about... This picture is a real can't-miss!!!