Spork

I have to admit I wasn't expecting much when I started to watch this film. The title and photo looked quirky however so it grabbed my interest and I decided to see what it was about.

Needless to say I watched the whole thing through instead of stopping after 10 minutes. Something about the characters drew me in. I think it was the heart of the movie and its unconventional situations which kept me watching. Also, the message at the end was actually uplifting and inspiring instead of cheesy. I think this was credit due to the writers and their wise choice of words.

One thing that struck me about this film is it shows an amazingly real friendship between two girls from black and white culture. Sometimes I feel that there is this divide between certain black and white cultures where people from the different cultures cannot really connect. But this bond between these two girls showed a strength beyond stereotypes where it was possible: Where people can look past their differences and see each other as human beings: caring about each other and sticking together despite their differences and social pressures.

Some people complained about the "booty shaking," but I feel the film was simply being true-to-life. In fact, I'm amazed that a film could show such a kind light on both black and white stereotypical behavior at the same time. Normally "booty shaking" films don't have a dorky white likable protagonist, and vice versa.

To those who were leery of the hermaphrodite theme: I wouldn't worry too much because it never gets too graphic or goes too far with it. It did however make me think about the fact that there are people out there who have to live with that condition.

This film did remind me of some others at first, like Napoleon Dynamite. I was actually expecting something like Welcome to the Dollhouse when I first started watching it. But to me this film had more heart than those other movies. It was about strength, perseverance, and staying a kind person despite bullying and having a difficult life. There was a subtle maturity about this film, and it was uplifting.

If you have a weird sense of humor, like I do, you'll really like this movie. It's weird, funny, a little sad, but also sweet. I liked this movie a lot more than I expected to. The acting was spot-on for what they were going for and the young actors really got the humor. My favorite was the girl who played Tootsie-Roll. Her comic timing was perfect and she really nailed sweet and caring as well. The dance moves were hilarious and awesome. I'd love to see another movie with the lead girl again too, she nailed her role. I liked how she is a hermaphrodite, but that is not the sum of her character. It's not even the point of the movie. It's about an awkward, lonely, dorky kid and kind people reaching out to her when most people are so cruel.

This was absolutely adorable. I laughed a lot as I watched the movie. I felt I could relate to both Spork and her brother. A true underdog movie, you see a family with literally NOTHING going for them and a little person trying to make sense of her mixed gender and find a place to fit in with a society with no room for people with gender issues, poverty, or orphans. It's wonderful to see the relationships of the characters with each other develop, as well as Spork learning to love and accept herself for who she is.

I loved the bright colors, the animations, and the music. The acting was excellent. I could really sympathize and laugh right along with them. The story was interesting and it didn't drag on and on.

I recommend it to anyone who isn't afraid of people different than themselves, and even more so to those who are. Open up your heart and your mind. We don't all need to fit into a specific category or caste. We're all people too!

A very unexpected well presented storyline that was as inspiring as much as it was unconventional.

The biggest thing that strikes home on "Spork" is it's genuine heart. Like John Hughes before it; we have kids honestly represented, speaking like adults as they process their angst. If you like great music, believable characters and you love movies like "Mean Girls," "Napoleon Dynamite" and Linklatter's classic "Dazed And Confused," you will love the touching day in the life coming-of-age story that is "Spork." The only other movie that compares to a protagonist struggling to fit in like "Spork," is the Corey Haim classic "Lucas." In fact Savannah Stehlin seems to channel him, dorky glasses included.This film is destined to be a classic. Do yourselves a favor and see this movie so you can fall in love with "Spork" and her best friend "Tootsie Roll" - a break out performance by Sydney Park. You will not be disappointed.