Fifteen and Pregnant (1998)
Grade: 81
"Fifteen and Pregnant" is a made-for-television movie, produced by the Lifetime cable channel. It is a highly credible and interesting study in teenage pregnancy, and its effect on the family.
Tina (Kirsten Durst) gets knocked up by jerk boyfriend Ray (Daniel Kountz), who promptly dumps her. Tina finds reluctant family support from her embittered mother (Park Overall) and father (David Andrews). Andrews has been evicted by Overall, but is attempting a reconciliation. Tina's best friend is unwed teen mother Laurie (Margot Demeter), who is struggling to make something of her life.
There is nothing romantic about "Fifteen and Pregnant". Tina has become pregnant because she feels that her life is empty, and perhaps a baby would add meaning to it. Her faith in Kountz, and her desire to have a loving relationship with him, is quickly shattered. The poverty, hassles and struggles of becoming a young unwed mother are effectively shown.
Tina's pregnancy isolates her from school friends. This is actually positive, as it stops her tobacco and alcohol abuse, and increases her interdependence with Demeter. But she remains selfish, and naive about what is in store for her. Her parents are ambivalent: they want to punish her for becoming pregnant, but they know that she will need support.
Julia Whelan is a bit miscast as the "younger" "fat" sister. Her character is excellent however. As the family focus is on Tina's pregnancy and the parent's potential reconciliation, she understandably feels left out. The siblings say viciously cruel things to each other: there is jealousy and strong disapproval, but it fits the unblinking unromatic mood of the film.
Margot Demeter gives a superb performance as Tina's friend. It is unfortunate that few people will ever see this made-for-cable instant obscurity to take notice of it.
kollers@mpsi.net http://members.tripod.com/~Brian_Koller/movies.html
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