As Cool As I Am

As Cool As I Am is a gripping coming-of-age drama about a bright teenager's coming to terms with her unique life situation and the set of peculiar circumstances around her. Released in 2013, the film features a compelling performance by Sarah Bolger and outstanding performances by Thomas Mann and James Marsden. This film deftly combines into one package the drama that comes with growing up, the intimacy and intricacy of familial relationships, the flurry and confusion of teenage love, and the helplessness in the face of dramatic changes they undergo.

The story revolves around a young and witty teenager, Lucy Diamond (Sarah Bolger). She's sharp, introspective, and incredibly mature for her age, and exhibits an old soul. She lives in a small town in some hidden corner of America, where everybody knows everybody. Lucy's world starts to present new challenges when she's supposed to grow up and manoeuvre her way through the make or break phase of adolescence.

At the heart of the movie is the relationship she shares with her parents, Lainee (Claire Danes) and Chuck (James Marsden). In contrast to the regular parental figures one sees in most films, they are very young parents who had Lucy when they were teenagers themselves, blending a unique dynamic to their relationship with their daughter.

Lainee begins working full-time when her husband and Lucy's father, Chuck, a logger by profession, is often away from home for his job. This setup leaves Lucy and Lainee to fend for themselves, leading to the evolution of their bond from a typical mother-daughter relationship to more of a friendship. It's a nuanced relationship, messy and emotional, but also filled with warmth and humour.

And then, there’s Kenny (Thomas Mann), Lucy's best friend since early childhood. Their long-time friendship blossoms into more complicated feelings as they navigate through the treacherous path of adolescence. Their relationship essentially portrays the exploration of teenage love, constantly swinging between innocence, jealousy and the scares of 'growing up'. The chemistry between Bolger and Mann will leave the audience rooting for their complex yet adorable companionship.

The narrative subtly encapsulates how Lucy, an intelligent and ambitious girl, begins to realize her unique familial circumstances. It also deals with the transformations she undergoes, the choices she makes, and the person she evolves into. The narrative might feel like a rollercoaster ride at times, mainly due to her youthful impulsiveness and the trials and tribulations typically associated with teenage life. Yet, the depth of Lucy is revealed slowly and steadily, making the audience understand and empathize with her predicaments.

Sarah Bolger brings Lucy's character to life with her exceptional performance. She excels in capturing every mood, every emotion with a striking sense of vulnerability and realism. Her acting prowess makes you believe and even live Lucy's life journey. Claire Danes and James Marsden, playing younger parents and somewhat flawed individuals, bring depth to their roles, perfectly portraying their struggle between personal aspirations and familial responsibilities.

As Cool As I Am is directed by Max Mayer, who delicately handles the emotional undertones of the narrative and maintains a realistic approach, emphasizing how real people react when they're forced to grow up too fast. The movie’s screenplay, written by Virginia Korus Spragg, deserves special praise for highlighting the complexities and indiscretions of each character.

The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Pete Fromm, and it beautifully translates the essence of the book on screen. It touches upon myriad themes - family, friendship, first love, self-discovery, ambition, and the turbulent journey of adolescence, all wrapped in a heart-warming, occasionally heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting narrative.

Overall, As Cool As I Am is a tender and thoughtful film that takes you on a profound journey, riddled with both the sweetness and the tribulations of growing up, eventually leading to one girl’s compelling journey of self-discovery and the age-old quest of figuring out who you are and what you want from life. It's about the messiness of life and relationships, and at its core, it's about love in all its unlikeliest forms. With brilliant performances and a riveting plot, this film is sure to leave you pensive, moved, and touched deep within.