MY GIRL 2
A film review by Mark Takacs
Copyright 1994 Mark Takacs
Images Films (Division of Pictures) / rated PG
Starring: Dan Akyroyd Jamie Lee Curtis Anna Chulmsky
Austin O'Brien Richard Masur
Tak Classification: Nostalgic Warm-Fuzzy
Tak Rating: wait for videotape
One-Line-Summary
----------------
"Chapter Two: Mom Quest & Puppy Love" in the life of the charming
young girl, Vada Sultenfuss.
Tak Plot Summary ---------------- With a new baby on the way for Shelly (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Henry (Dan Akyroyd) Sultenfuss, Vada (Anna Chulmsky) feels a bit left out in her home life and her pubescent social life. She decides to visit Uncle Phil (Richard Masur) in LA, birthplace of her deceased mother, in hopes of finding out more about her mom. During her five-day quest, she learns that her mom wasn't what she expected, as well as learning a great deal about herself.
Tak Thoughts ------------ Okay, I admit I liked MY GIRL, even though it did have the loathsome Macaulay Culkin in it, though he was tolerable there. So I knew what I thought MY GIRL 2 would feel like. And I was right. I got to see some old friends, and make some new ones. There were even a few of those verge-of-tears-of-happiness moments that are kinda nice.
Uncle Phil has found a job as a mechanic and is living with Rose and her son (Austin O'Brien). Rose is a great character. She complements Phil nicely and has a twinkle in her eye that emotes a very playful attitude that's fun to watch.
Vada's adventures as she tracks down information about her mother are interesting too, especially a series of scenes where she begins to realize her mother isn't the sweet little thing that she had expected. But of course, her search culminates in a real treasure trove of good information and good will.
I'll briefly mention some things that didn't go well so I can maintain my honorary grouch/cynic card....
The romance between Vada and Rose's son seemed forced, but still had some cute moments. Vada's "black stage" (suggesting black wallpaper for her room) back in Pennsylvania didn't seem to fit her too well, nor did the childlike grumpiness at getting a new brother. It all happened too quickly and didn't fit her smiley, cheerful disposition. Happily, the awkwardness passes rapidly. With her rapid tracking, detective and schmoozing skills (plows thru red tape, travels all over, and interviews half a dozen friends of Mom) she's got a great career as a bounty hunter ahead of her. But all these are really just token objections. I was more than happy to brush them aside, suspend my disbelief, and enjoy the show.
Tak Rating system: ------------------ I did like the movie, but I wouldn't recommend it at the movies unless you're a big fan, which I'm not. There was nothing really WRONG with this movie. A friend thought MY GIRL 2 was "a cute movie" and I agree. This will make a great VCR rental. And if you liked the first one, this'll make a great nostalgia/warm-fuzzy home double feature.
avoid at all costs
watch it on cable
X wait for videotape
see once as a matinee
see several times (w/friends) as matinee
see once at full price
see it several times - full and/or matinee
see many times at full price
.
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