It would be easy to dismiss "Thirteen" as a teen movie or even a chick flick. But the reality is that "Thirteen" is a low budget indie-movie and was the directorial debut of Catherine Hardwick. The title indicates that this is essentially a teen movie which centers about the life of a thirteen year old girl. It's a common, archetypal premise and the script was co-written by Nikki Reed, somewhat based on her own experiences. It's not a bad choice or move, but "Thirteen" does fall into the archetypal traits. But "Thirteen" comes across as a gritty departure and in some ways tragic.Despite having nostalgic memories of this movie, I must say the indie-factor perhaps hampers the film more than it should. It's not that "Thirteen" is bad, It manages to engage and entertain. But despite the faux documentary style, the film suffers from clunky dialog, incoherent screen writing and bad character development. The problem is that "Thirteen" never quite develops the characters in a compelling or positive way. The grittiness and the willingness to dive deep into the themes is admirable, but "Thirteen" never quite manages to tell a coherent or fulfilling story or come to a final conclusion.While none of the acting is outstanding, the actors makes the characters shine. Cute Evan Rachel Wood is natural and believable as the goodie Tracy. Nikki Reed makes a fine Evie, the hot, impetuous and popular teenage girl who becomes the bad influence on Tracy. Holly Hunter is the best one of the group, making a good, caring, yet oblivious and human mother."Thirteen" is typical of it's genre, but becomes watchable and engaging thanks to it's good cast and good songs. While the story could've been more tighter and less clunky, "Thirteen" is still fine entertainment.

In this teenage movie we see Tracy (Evan Rachel Wood) trying to be popular by becoming friends with Evie (Nikki Reed) who is a bad influence on her life.Many criticize it for being too unrealistic and I absolutely disagree with this. My life was not like that when I was 13, and yet I know many who went that way around that age.What they do is nothing so extreme (besides maybe cutting) that is unthinkable for teenagers to do and we should remember that it took a whole school semester for all this to happen. It is not shocking as in surprising that it happens, it is just could be shocking because even though one knows it happens it is still hard to see someone that young going through it. I didn't really feel like that simply because the girls seem way older than 13.I was not to impressed with young actresses. I liked the story but their performance on the other hand was exaggerated. I also had trouble feeling the exact nature of their friendship. Was there genuine liking or they were just both trying to use each other.On the other hand Holly Hunter was absolutely perfect in her role. I also liked Jeremy Sisto who was performing her boyfriend. Both had great performance and dynamics. It was great to see Hunter's character Mel trying to deal with her daughter.The movie is also very fast paced and energetic. Great camera work. Absolutely loved the ending. very powerful and top notch performances.So all in all a good movie with some weaknesses.

Thirteen is a teenage nightmare where parents get lost and where a life can be easily consumed.The good. An incredibly dramatic rendition of things going out of control. A simple story, mesmerizing by its truthful reflection of reality. Perfect acting. Powerful scenes. Dialogs that are so well built they could escape the lips of any parent or teen.The actors. Stellar performance by everyone. I'll just mention the main characters. Evan Rachel Wood as our main girl. Nikki Reed as her best friend. Holly Hunter as her mother.The bad. Nothing.The ugly. Nothing.The result. A troubling film that should be watched by everyone, but beware the drama, be ready for it.

Was hooked from the first scene and thank god it wasn't made by a Frenchperson. Because it runs on all of the things I hate about European movies: roving cameras, POV, extreme close-ups, irrational cuts, dislikeable characters being dislikeable, no discernible plot and so on.Or Canadian: not a whiff of PC.Instead, everything works in a tale told in chaos skating on the edge of a cliff, ending in a shaky affirmation.I could cite chapter and verse but the first few scenes do that better than any review, though it is pleasing to see so many of the reviewers here doing just that. And to see so many who appreciate it on its own terms.Finally, Evan Wood is the movie. Somehow, she makes you care about her character and Nikki Reed is her perfect foil, like Iago gleefully dragging Othello to hell. Holly Hunter's performance is delightfully understated. Most of the males, being adolescents, are irritating as hell but they're believable and well-acted, as are all of the characters.Final final, surprised at how few of the reviews were negative given both the subject matter and the presentation. Just as I automatically view many European films as exercises in clumsy masturbation, I can see how many of the movie's elements could be turnoffs on first view. That so few reacted that way I can only credit to Ms. Wood's performance.