There is not a cynical molecule in the big-screen adaptation of " Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," a sweet, playful and reverential adaptation of Judy Blume's famed coming-of-age novel about the everyday problems of an 11-year-old girl.
Perhaps it shouldn't have been earthshattering for someone to write frankly about puberty for an audience who was going through it, but it was and, in many ways, still is.
In one scene, Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson), who has not yet started menstruating, decides to get ready for it by buying some pads at the convenience store with her friend Janie (Amari Alexis Price). The two girls watch in horror as the older woman at the checkout counter leaves for a break right as they approach and is replaced with a shaggy-haired teenage boy. In a panic, Margaret throws a pack of mints on the boxes. Writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig ("The Edge of Seventeen") relishes in the excruciating awkwardness, letting time slow down as the conveyer belt screeches along.
Tween girls would do well to seek "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" out. It has all the makings of a classic for the next generation.
"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," a Lionsgate release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for "thematic material involving sexual education and some suggestive material." Running time: 105 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.
This image released by Lionsgate shows Rachel McAdams, left, and Abby Ryder Fortson in a scene from "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." (Dana Hawley/Lionsgate via AP)
This image released by Lionsgate shows Kathy Bates in a scene from "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." (Dana Hawley/Lionsgate via AP)
This image released by Lionsgate shows Kathy Bates, left, and Abby Ryder Fortson in a scene from "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." (Dana Hawley/Lionsgate via AP)
This image released by Lionsgate shows Abby Ryder Fortson, from left, Amari Price, Elle Graham and Katherine Kupfere in a scene from "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." (Dana Hawley/Lionsgate via AP)