An imperfect movie with so many moments of truth that you forgive its stumbles. You also note that it's probably of historical value, because it centers on the first performance of an actress who is going to be a big star.
70
Chicago ReaderHank Sartin
Chicago ReaderHank Sartin
This is both melodramatic and overly tidy in its plotting, but its odd personal relationships are utterly believable.
May not be a complete success, but it is in some ways that rarest of commodities in American movies: It is a movie about sex and sexuality, in its many perversions and permutations, done without falling back on an exploitatively comic or violent scenario.
60
The A.V. ClubTasha Robinson
The A.V. ClubTasha Robinson
Marquis herself rarely comes off as less than fascinating, in spite of her cheaply titillating material.
50
L.A. Weekly
L.A. Weekly
Though spiked with nice performances (Marquis herself is a natural, no matter how lame her lines), This Girl's Life succeeds more as a nudie curio.