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Created May 26, 2009 01:28PM PST • Edited May 26, 2009 01:28PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   A solid dark comedic coming-of-age story about the downtrodden “Dawn Weiner” and her quirky family. I thought of this as the original “Ugly Betty” who deals with brutal 7th cliques, bullyish boys, a geeky older brother, and a princess little sister — who just happens to be her mom’s favorite. Throughout it all, Dawn continually shows us a strong sense of self and the story is told in a way that makes you do a double-take (or a double think) all the while producing LOL moments. Definitely worth a watch.

4. Acting

   Very Good 3.5

   I was impressed with Heather Matarazzo (“Dawn”) who pulls off the abused 7th grader routine without a hitch. Daria Kalininia and Matthew Faber (mom and dad Weiner) are also really good at their portreyals of “parents with issues”…. The rest of the cast turn in really solid performances as well.

5. Male Stars Very Good 3.5

6. Female Stars Very Good 3.5

7. Female Costars Very Good 3.5

8. Male Costars Very Good 3.5

10. Film

    Good 3.0

    Funny, realistic, tells a story well and inspires insightful thinking. What more could you ask for? It definitely put me back in that awful 7th grade place where one begins to have to fight for one’s self esteem.

11. Direction Good 3.0

12. Play Good 3.0

13. Music Good 3.0

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.1

    A plethora of “F Bombs” and situations almost involving rape… not for your little kids, but Ok for the 16 and older crowd.

17. Sex Titillating 2.1

18. Violence Fierce 2.1

19. Rudeness Salty 2.1

21. Reality

    Glib 1.4

    Some of it was over the top, but mostly (and scarily) realistic.

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.4

23. Biological Glib 1.4

24. Physical Glib 1.4