Confissões de uma Garota Americana

This is one of the better coming-of-age movies you probably have never seen. It's a real gem of a movie.

It's not easy to watch, that's for sure. There isn't a high-functioning person in the bunch but just about all of them have some redeeming qualities.

It's downright painful, at points, but even the bad characters manage to endear themselves to the viewer.

I grew up in the "white trash" culture and this movie has the ring of truth, to me. The characters in this movie certainly have their counterparts in the real world I come from! When watching the movie, it never occurred to me that the director was insinuating that all low-income people or southerners are like this. Just one very interesting family.

If you like to find hidden film gems, be sure to rent or TiVo "Amerian Girl." I just love these low-budget movies that are more powerful than the mega-million dollar movies.

The DVD box describes "Confessions of an American Girl" as a "quirky dark comedy". If you are going to make a "black comedy" about a dysfunctional family, it better be entertaining. In order for the film to be entertaining, it better be funny. If it's not going to be funny, it better not be depressing. Unfortunately, "Confessions of an American Girl" is not only not funny, but it is both pointless and depressing. Family goes to visit their jerk father in prison, family come away agreeing he is indeed a jerk. End of story. Throw in some incest, homosexuality, endless suicide attempts, along with the depression, and you wind up with a bad movie. Not recommended. - MERK

I am a huge fan of Jena Malone and all of her movies and this is no exception. If you like drama then you will love it. There is also that little bit of very clever humor in it that makes it that much more enjoyable. One of the best things about the movie is the whole concept of the theme(s). Disappointment, acceptance, and family. Sometimes, you don't get what it is you're expecting to get. You have to see people for who they are and trust the people who have always been there for you and have your best interests at heart. This movie does not relate to everyone. Not everyone grew up in a trailer park. Not everyone's father is in jail. Not everyone has the same kind of problems and emotions that Jena Malone's character has. But I don't think the movie is supposed to relate to everyone. You can interpret the message any way you want, but what I get out of it is that whatever problems you have in your life, there is a way to make it better. See Confessions of an American Girl. Even if you don't get any message out of it, it is still a great movie.

"American Girl" is a wonderful movie about the girl Rena (played by Jena Malone from Donnie Darko) who lives with her family in a trailer. She has to hide when she's with her boyfriend so nobody sees him with her, and her father is in prison for life. After various attempts to kill herself, she decides to visit her father in prison to tell him the news: she is pregnant...

The film is funny in a tragic sort of way, and it takes up some serious issues in life. Very recommendable.

I enjoyed this movie. Quite a bit, actually.

Jena Malone is a great actress, and like another reviewer said, she's destined for truly great things. I think this film really showed that off. She's got a great talent that's barely been tapped, and I know that we'll be seeing her in other movies in the near future. If she's able to make a smooth transition into adult roles, I can see her as a leading lady in the not-too-distant future.

The story about a teenage girl traveling to visit her father in prison for the annual picnic seems boring and uninteresting, but a great supporting cast and excellent direction makes it well worth watching.

If you like indie films, this is one to check out.