DuckyGirl

I just watched this film at the Slamdance Film Festival, and it touched me in a way few movies do. Director Sam Lee taught young children in Harlem in the early 1990s, and a decade later, she decided to find her former students. The documentary follows five of them for two years as they approach high school graduation (well, some of them) and experience various problems and changes. Each student lives in poverty and some have no familial support. Without giving away too much for those who have not seen the film, I will say that viewers will see triumphs alongside heartbreaking disappointments throughout the film.

Lee does an excellent job of telling each story, filming intensely personal interviews, following them around New York City and beyond, and mixing that with old footage from when the five were in 2nd grade. Composer Jonathan Zalben's score lends an edgy, street feel to some scenes; a classic, empathetic feel to others. While it is at heart a human tale- a peek into the lives of five young people going through upheaval and a teacher who cares enough to stay in their lives- it also can provoke thought and discussion on poverty, education and teaching, expectations on young people, and the definition of success (and "the perfect life.") I was struck by the compassion Sam Lee has for these young people. As a future teacher myself, I felt inspired by her dedication to making a difference. I highly recommend this film to everyone.

My sister and I used to watch this movie, which we somehow got at school at least ten years ago, and we would make fun of it, loving it at the same time. We knew how ridiculous it was, even in elementary school. We were entertained all the same. I haven't seen it in a few years, so I'm not sure what I'd think of it if I saw it with "fresh" eyes, which would be hard to do considering we must've watched it on about 50 rainy days over the years. We still sing the song sometimes.

The acting is ridiculous, and the characters are so corny it's unbelievable. The plot is so unrealistic- rescuing the Widow Jenkins? The kids are far too old to be behaving as they do, like someone else pointed out. You gotta love the scene with the robbery- the guy wearing the pantyhose on his head, and the kids trapping him. Let's not forget all the drama that goes down at the store, and the amazing pyrotechnics at the school dance.

"The Buttercream Gang" is not very progressive in its character portrayals and storyline, but just because it comes from a conservative standpoint, I don't think it's full of hatred. Also, it does take place in a small town, where it is unlikely there would be much diversity. I don't find it misogynistic, except for perhaps how they always call her "Widow Jenkins." Really, that is not misogynistic, just lame, traditional, and somewhat sexist. There's a difference between that and misogyny, the hatred of women. C'mon, sweeping the porch while wearing a dress isn't a misogynistic image! You're reading too much into this movie. Plus, this film does feature a somewhat strong and untraditional girl, Margaret, who reads a lot and asks Scott to the dance. Then again, they do show her being taunted by Pete's "tough" friends, so you could see it either way.

The most troubling thing is how Hispanics are shown as gang members. It would have been just as believable if they'd been white, but no, they had to contrast the gang members with the Buttercreamers as much as possible. (Those awful city kids! Thank goodness for sheltered kids from small towns!) The only good character in the whole movie is the father, a Vietnam vet, who shares some solid advice with his son. All the other moralizing in the movie is pretty lame. The ultimate message- unconditional love- is valid, in my opinion, but it certainly isn't very compelling or moving here.

Ultimately, I can't hate this film, although if I were seeing it for the first time I probably would. It's a part of my childhood. "The Buttercream Gang" is just so laughable- the rampages, the cheesy dialogue, the "scary" gang, the early 90s cultural references, the hideous clothes (which weren't even very fashionable when the movie was made). "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up!" It shouldn't be seen as representative of Christianity, in my opinion, other than its promotion of unconditional love. Very few Christians would act like these people, and most would see this film for what it is- a laughable kid's film, trying to tote values.

I feel like in writing this comment, I have taken "The Buttercream Gang" far too seriously.