Lady Bird is surprisingly set in a post-9/11 Sacramento in 2002 , which is an un-usual but refreshing era for a modern coming-of-age story. While coming of age stories can often fall in to their charming but conventional trappings, Lady Bird shines in that it doesn't shy away from showing the faults of the characters it follows throughout its run time, almost to the point that you want to see even more of their journeys through life.Lady Bird has excellent cinematography and believable characters with identifiable flaws and traits that really ground the movie. Lady Bird takes influence from the 'mumblecore' sub genre (a drama with emphasis on natural dialogue and personal character relationships over plot) and ties it nicely with a coming of age structure that doesn't over stay its welcome and definitely takes its own path you can relate to as a viewer. Saoirse Ronan is particularly charming as our main character and bounces well with Laurie Metcalf and Tracy Letts filling in as her parents. The movie addresses a few subjects that aren't touched upon in most conventional coming of age movies, which gives the film a mature feeling. Particularly the 15 certificate in the UK meant the film didn't have to pander towards a younger audience, which is exactly want you want as a viewer of this genre because teenagers swear, talk about sex and abuse alcohol/drugs.Some viewers may find its general pacing, structure and tone to be not particularly entertaining and up beat as many other coming of age movies but I found it enjoyable, funny and grounded. The soundtrack also wasn't particularly that memorable but does include some nods towards that era and adds some licensed tracks that some may appreciate. A decent coming of age movie that shakes genre conventions but nothing particularly groundbreaking.

Please allow me to explain my rating system. If it is an independent film I give it five stars to start. If it is directed by a woman I add a star. If it is directed by a woman of color or written by women of color I add a star. If it is directed by a woman I add a star. If it Is directed by or by a written by a woman of color I add another star. Content matters. Anything concerning class,race, gender discrimination, trans gender discrimination , class discrimination, social issues discussed in a meaningful way, anything that passes the Bechtel test I give another star or two. Unfortunately this film was disappointing to me but I can see its appeal to others who have never seen a movie or a film that addresses anything meaningful. I have been watching independent films for decades. So this is a generous seven. Unfortunately in the previews I saw the funniest scene, talk about a spoiler, given away in the first two minutes of the film. The rest was a snooze fest. Still, congrats to everyone. No insults intended to anyone.

I watched Lady Bird on a plane. I was bored out of my mind, excited to see what all the hype was about. I had to turn it off five minutes into the movie. It is every stereotypical coming of age movie. And the main character is just a snobby brat. Not the charming kind of brat, either. It all just seems too overdone. If you'd like to watch the same thing you've seen a million times, go ahead and watch Lady Bird.

Lady Bird is a coming-of-age drama/comedy which is so personal it immerses you to the character's frame of mind from minute one until the credits roll.