Let it be said that I am not a literary critic, a movie critic or a food critic (although that sounds like a lot of fun!) In fact I am always amazed at what critics or reviewers find to write two pages about. I guess that is why they do what they do.

So this is not a critique of the movie Flipped. Just some insights as a parent.

I found the movie to be wonderful. I liked the book by Wendelin van Draanen, with its alternating or changing perspectives but I definitely like the movie every bit as much and that usually doesn’t hold true for me.

Clearly this movie is fun for all of us Ann Arborites. It was fun to see the local talent, kids, some of whom were my students as extras in the film. It was fun to see local sites like my kid's old elementary school. The street sign in the movie was changed but the side street ‘Renfrew’ was still visible. That is the same street, down from Thurston Elementary School that I walked weekly to visit my grandparents who lived there.

Aside from all of the fun visuals, the film had so many fabulous messages. First and foremost it was a film that the whole family could see. There were some intense moments and some that were very emotional. There were a couple of words that maybe could be upsetting but nothing that my seven year old hasn’t already heard elsewhere.

I also look at those moments in the film as opportunities to discuss that sometimes we hear things but we don’t have to repeat them.

I loved that this story revolved around a somewhat quirky girl who clearly wasn’t valued for her wonderful qualities. Juli (Madeline Carroll) is portrayed as strong, compassionate, opinionated and smart. She is truly unique and it takes a while for this to be both noticed and appreciated by a young boy, Bryce (Callan McAuliffe), on whom she has always had a crush.

My favorite quote is one from the Bryce’s grandfather to Bryce, who clearly doesn’t realize what a rare find Juli is. "Some of us get dipped in flat, some in satin, some in gloss......But every once in a while you find someone who's iridescent, and when you do, nothing will ever compare."

The families of Bryce and Juli provide an interesting comparison as well. Bryce’s family, while financial better off than Juli’s family is somewhat stunted due to the father’s (played by Anthony Edwards) bitterness, controlling and judgmental nature. Juli’s family is warm, committed and are just getting by, financially. In one scene, Juli’s parents get into an argument but ultimately, the way that it is handled is really moving.

I think it confirms for kids, that yes, arguments happen but it is really the way they are handled that can have a profound impact.

There is so much packed into this one film: issues of peer pressure, social dynamics in middle school, sacrifices, listening to one’s inner voice, integrity, love of nature, issues faced by those who are mentally challenged and their families, coming of age, first love and the list goes on.

I was hoping this movie would be a sleeper and gain in popularity but I don’t see it going that way. Last I checked, the movie was at Showcase or rather the new Rave Motion Picture theatre. If you don’t see it there, it is definitely worth picking up a copy. It is just a feel good movie. Hopeful. Wise. Sweet.

Theresa Bassett is parent to six. Passions include kids, adoption, transracial and alternative families. Reach her at theresabassett1@hotmail.com.