Le prix de la différence

Familiar to anyone who remembers the hysteria in the 80s over "Satanic Panic." The idiots who thought Kiss or ACDC or Ozzy Osbourne were "satanic." The ones hysterical in the 90s about Dungeons and Dragons or the 2000s about Harry Potter. You even see examples of that hysteria in one of the reviews.

It's not Citizen Kane, but the story is told well, straight forward and compelling.

I saw this movie a few hours ago, my mom watches Lifetime very frequently and when I heard about this movie I was immediately drawn in. I myself have been labeled a Goth at my school and I know the harassment that Brandi faced in school. This movie left me in pure awe and not only angered me, but brought tears to my eyes. Although I haven't faced such horrible abuse at my school, I found myself able to relate to everything that this poor girl was going through. The movie literally had me glued to my seat, I couldn't get up if my life depended on it. it absolutely horrified me that this was based on a true story, but it didn't surprise me at all. I have friends who lived near Columbine at the time that it happened, and though I was only nine when the incident occurred, I'm aware of the troubles it caused in schools all over the country for people who dared to be different. In the end, I was thrilled that Brandi didn't change and she stayed true to herself, this kind of ordeal would cause many people to at least pretend that they try to conform to everything that happens. All in all, it was an incredible film and I definitely recommend it to anyone who asks about it.

I don't know if this was based upon something that actually happened; however, in spite of my wanting to believe that it didn't, not this recently, I sadly can imagine that this is a true story. Thus, I can't compare this to the real thing. The authentic feel is present throughout, if this can honestly seem a bit manipulative at times. It certainly is fairly black and white, albeit with several notable exceptions. The plot revolves around a girl in high school being accused of witchcraft(!), and her family's attempts to deal with it. All the characters are pretty well-written, consistent and credible. The acting is great, I was impressed with most performances. Apart from Illeana Douglas, I didn't know any of them before, but I'd definitely consider giving anything else they appear in a chance. The cinematography and editing are quite nice and interesting, with some well-used hand-held camera footage. While this doesn't hold an awful lot of surprises script-wise, it does engage the viewer, as well as hit the majority of the marks. The dialog also has several memorable and clever lines. There is a little humor, and it's rather funny. This can be very disturbing. I recommend this to everyone who's been a teenager and felt different. In other words, if you are at least thirteen years old, this is for you. 7/10

I love movies that are based on real stories. This one was done exceptionally well. One of my favorites that I have ever seen and I've seen hundreds. The story was told so well but the young lady and all her troubles even when she did nothing wrong.

It's 1999 Tulsa right after the incident at Columbine. Brandi Blackbear (Alia Shawkat) is a regular high school girl. Her native American father ignores her in favor of her brother. Mean girl Kimberly convinces her friends to report on her. She is suspended. Kimberly steals her friend Casey. When she gets into wicken, the school suspends her again for allegedly casting a spell on her teacher sending him to the hospital. The family gets help from ACLU to sue the school.

The story is compelling although objectivity is questionable. With the real case out there, it's hard to know how much is real. The acting is solid. Alia is good. The story before the court case is solid Lifetime material. The court drama is less compelling. It probably needs to concentrate on the father daughter relationship more. It also doesn't end with a great cinematic ending although it makes the best of the situation.