Big Girls Don't Cry... They Get Even

Big Girls Don't Cry... They Get Even is a family drama comedy released in 1991. Directed by Joan Micklin Silver and starring Griffin Dunne, Dan Futterman, and Patricia Kalember, this delightful film resonates with viewers young and old by blending humor and heartfelt emotions into a story that explores the complexity of family relationships, teenage angst, and the struggle to find acceptance amidst chaos.

The story revolves around the life of an adolescent girl named Laura Chartoff, portrayed by Hillary Wolf, who lives amidst a chaotic, blended family. In between the tumultuous breakdowns, single parenting, remarriages, and the addition of numerous step and half-siblings, Laura often feels overlooked and fed up with the hand she's been dealt. Growing up in this crazy amalgamation of a family propels the character into the quintessential teenager’s quest of self-discovery and rebellion.

The talented ensemble cast supports the undulating storyline of the film, steering the narrative through waves of touching moments and funny escapades. Griffin Dunne beautifully portrays the role of David, Laura's caring but perennially perplexed father, who serves as the primary pivot in her multi-layered family. Patricia Kalember is Laura's self-involved mother, Barbara, who anchors the other end of the tumultuous family spectrum. Adding to the mix is the character of Josh, played by Dan Futterman, Laura's stepbrother, who finds himself entangled in his own web of teenage issues and challenges.

The film’s narrative springs into action as the frustrated Laura decides to take actions into her own hands, embarking upon an escapade that leads down paths no one in the family could anticipate. This sets off a chain of events that disrupt the family's highly unorthodox status quo and forces them to confront their issues head-on. Amidst the chaos and humor, the film cleverly uses its larger than life scenario as a backdrop to highlight the nuanced emotions of growing up, the search for acceptance, and the pain of feeling alone.

Big Girls Don't Cry... They Get Even excellently balances comedy with more profound themes, presenting an effective and entertaining exploration of the complexities often involved in non-traditional family units. It's a story that uncovers the profound truth that families can be messy, frustrating, and impossible to escape from, but can also serve as the essential driving force to pull out one's inherent strength and wisdom.

There's a subtle charm in the dynamic between characters, like the earnest though often confused father, the disgruntled teenager yearning to break free of her circumstances, and the various half and step-siblings, each with their own set of problems and quirks. Their interactions bring forth both the exasperating and endearing aspect of families, painting an illustration of familial love that is far from conventional, yet sincerely touching.

Despite being a story from the early '90s, the film's themes are easy for modern audiences to connect with. The intertwining narratives of teenage angst and complicated family dynamics are timeless, striking chords of empathy from viewers who have encountered comparable situations in their own lives. The film cleverly uses humor as its vessel to convey these themes, delivering laughs while also striking at the heart of some of life's profound truths.

Every character in Big Girls Don't Cry... They Get Even has a story to tell, a perspective to paint, and a lesson to deliver. The narrative weaves their stories together, creating a tapestry of family life that is chaotic, humorous, but above all, deeply human. Each character is flawed and layered, which adds to the overall authenticity of the story, leaving viewers with characters they can relate, laugh, and cry with.

If you're in the mood for a heartwarming coming-of-age comedy that isn’t shying away from showing the messy, complicated dynamics of a blended family, Big Girls Don't Cry... They Get Even is a film you will absolutely enjoy. It’s got humor, drama, emotional depth, and an ensemble cast that breathes life into this charmingly eccentric family saga. The film wisely uses its chaotic ensemble to deliver a thoughtful and impactful exploration of family life and teenage rebellion. It's a 90's gem that effectively blends humor, heart, and a heaping of family chaos.