Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)

3/30/06

Probably about a year ago I remember seeing a review for The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants on Ebert and Roeper, in which the trusted reviewers stated the film was much 'smarter' then the average entry in its genera. So when a rented copy of this movie ended up in my house I consented to see it. The film follows four friends who share an unusually elastic pair of blue jeans over their summer vacation. Lena (Gilmore Girls Alexis Bledel) is spending her summer with her grandparents on a Greek island. Bridget (Blake Lively) whose mother recently committed suicide is at a soccer camp in Mexico. Tibby (Amber Tamblyn) who is staying home in Maryland is working at a Wal-Mart type store and attempting to make a documentary. Finally Carmen (America Ferrera) has traveled to South Carolina to stay with her semi-estranged dad (The West Wing's Bradley Whitford). At the start this film is far to much teenage girl (even given that most of the actresses are underplaying their age), but it does get better and acutely addresses some important issues in a way that is of relevance to its target audience. There are some surprisingly good performances in the film, highlighted by young Jenna Boyd as a leukemia stricken girl who is deceptively wise. So if your ever in a situation where you are asked to sit through some Hillary Duff Schlauk, I'd recommend suggesting this movie instead.