Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen

Title: Confessions of Teenage Drama Queen

Director: Sara Sugarman

Based on a Novel by: Dyan Sheldon

Starring: Lindsay Lohan and Megan Fox

ISBN: 0-7888-5478-X

Rating: PG

Suitable for Ages:  All Ages

Production Company: Walt Disney Pictures

Media Type: DVD

Copyright:  2004

Genre: Family

Reader's Annotation: Lola is the new girl at school and she is determined to make a name for herself. Carla Santorini better get out of the way.

Plot Summary: Lola's mom moves her from New York City to suburban New Jersey. Unhappy about the transition, eccentric Lola is determined to make a name for herself at her new school. Lola tries out for the big school production against the popular girl, Carla and ends up getting the lead role. During the course of rehearsals, Lola also schemes for a way to get tickets to her favorite rock band's concert and after-party in New York City. Carla, as the daughter of the rock band's lawyer, has tickets and Lola wants to prove that she is just as important and cool as her arch-nemesis. The Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen documents the adventures of Lola through all of her trials and tribulations.

Evaluation: (D)  This movie was a little too cheesy and quite unrealistic.  So overdone, in fact, I am not quite sure if this rendition does the book justice.  Additionally, the love story was completely random and thrown in at the end of the movie.  This is a Disney movie, however, which may help to explain its cheese-factor.  The one highlight of the movie was the school production for its uniqueness and comical script and delivery.    

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• Fitting In

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Title: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
Director: Peter Sollett
Based on a Novel by: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Starring: Michael Cera and Kat Dennings
ISBN: 0-43396-25303-2
Rating: PG 13
Suitable for Ages: Some Material May Not be Suitable for Children Under 13
Production Company: Sony Pictures
Media Type: DVD
Copyright: 2008
Genre: Drama


Reader's Annotation: A tangled web of girl drama, boys, and music in the matter of one night in NYC.

Plot Summary: Norah, the female protagonist, and a girlfriend set out one night to track down their favorite band, Where’s Fluffy?. In order to see Where’s Fluffy? in concert, loyal fans must find clues throughout the city to guide them to the concert venue. Believing they have found the right location, Norah and Caroline wait for the show to start. In the meantime, Norah connects with her classmate's ex-boyfriend Nick and his bandmates. When Where’s Fluffy? never shows up, the girls join Nick and friends to resume their quest for the mysterious band. Funny, unexpected events occur throughout the course of the evening which makes for a night that Nick and Norah will never forget.

Evaluation: (B)  This is a creative storyline which incorporates many facets of teen life. Friendships, rivalries, romance, and music have been intertwined to create a story that is relevant and realistic. Even some of the more absurd elements like Caroline meandering around the city alone and completely inebriated seem plausible in a city that never sleeps. Teenagers will enjoy Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist for the story’s applicability to their own lives.

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• Love All Around
• David Levithan

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Author: Stephen Chbosky

ISBN: 978-0-671-02734-6

Recommended Grade Level of Reader: 9th and Up

Publisher: MTV

Media Type: Book

Copyright:  1999

Genre: Fiction

Reader's Annotation:  Through letters to his friend, Charlie's true character is revealed. 

Plot Summary:  Charlie, the male protagonist is a high school student struggling with many issues common to teenagers.  Charlie's story is told through a series of letters to an unknown friend.  Through his letters the reader sees that Charlie is multi-faceted and has a propensity towards creativity.  He writes and reads poems as a creative outlet.  He also expresses a love for music.  In sum, Charlie is a very unique, yet highly realistic and relatable character since he writes to his friend about issues ranging from alcohol and relationships to family and his best friend's suicide.     

Evaluation:  (A+)  Chbosky utilizes a unique method of story telling.  The creativity alone in using letters to tell Charlie's story is captivating and provides for suspense. Additionally, Wallflower provides for believability because the letters deal with a plethora of issues. Charlie doesn't focus on one particular area of life, just as real life teenagers deal with many issues and experiences.  This is a great read and young adults will enjoy Charlie's honesty and the material's relevance to their own lives.   

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• Holden Caulfields for the New Age