HotToastyRag
The "troubled teen gets tough love" genre is a well-loved genre, ever since The Blackboard Jungle in 1955. I watch a lot of these movies, and Carolina is a pretty good one.The troubled teen in this one is actually an adult, but it's still the same type of movie. Julia Stiles, whose "too cool for school" attitude is perfectly plastered on her perpetually sourpuss face, is mad at her family because they're eccentric and she's trying to mature into a mainstream young woman. Her name is Carolina because everyone in her family is named after the state in which they were born, and she despises her name just as much as her eccentric relatives.If you've seen a lot of these movies, like I have, you pretty much know the formula. Carolina doesn't stray too far from the typical mold, but if you're in the mood for a little cheese in your movies and relatives who are too wacky to be realistic, give this one a whirl.
Mistrcoffe
I enjoyed it because it is a great movie. I guess as I get older I am also getting more sentimental, and my tastes seem to be getting more eclectic. I have really begun to enjoy more independent films, and enjoyed this one in particular.I had to chuckle about the whole spoiler thing because the base plot is as predictable as it gets, but it is still a pleasure watching it unfold.The acting is particularly good at many levels. I planned to name the actors, reference what I had seen them in before and then say why I liked them in this, but I will spare you my digressive drivel. Hell the actors are listed above and links to all they have done.I would say try it whether you are an Indy fan or not. It is time spent well spent.
DPerson626
This was the first time I have seen Julia Stiles and I was impressed with her portrayal of Carolina. She is of course very pretty, and for one so young she has a commanding presence on the screen. Her character is surely foreign to any of her life experiences but she demonstrates her acting abilities by making it totally believable. Shirley MacLaine plays the role of Carolina's grandmother, an irascible, bold and bawdy woman who meets life head on with courage and defiance. No one could perform the part any better, and I really can't imagine anyone else in the role. The tale is a love story involving Carolina, her family and her best friend who adores her.The tale takes Carolina from childhood through early adulthood as she seeks balance in her life while looking for a "normal" guy. She thinks she has found one in the suave and debonair "Heath" (Edward Atterton), an Englishman, who sweeps her off her feet, only to disappoint her after meeting her eccentric family. Meanwhile, in the background is her best friend Albert (Allesandro Nivola), who is secretly in love with her. The story contains comedy, romance and pathos and will leave you satisfied. I didn't like the ending, it could have been better written, but the story is charming and entertaining and well worth watching, if for no other reason than to enjoy the performance of Julia Stiles.
rondaddy
This movie has been a long time coming. After waiting a year for Miramax to release it in the US, I picked up the DVD via Canada. Although not perfect, it was sweet and very well acted. Ms. Stiles continues her skill of creating a new personality for each of her screen appearances, and she has NEVER looked better. Her range is amazing. She once again delivers a very powerful performance. In fact, all of the actors were impressive. Shirley MacLaine's role is more than a cameo, and she delivers. Randy Quaid was a pleasant surprise. In a role where he could easily have gone over the top; he didn't. Azura Skye did a great job and had several very memorable moments. I look forward to seeing her again. The child actress chosen to play the young Carolina is an uncanny young version of Ms. Stiles. Along with the acting, the dialog was consistently smart and sharp. Miramax should release and promote this film for no other reason than it contains some of the all-time great movie lines. Not every aspect or scene worked for me, but most did. I enjoyed and recommend it.
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