‘It's Me, Margaret’ a refreshing, fun adaptation

In 1970, acclaimed author Judy Blume wrote ‘Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret,’ which ended up being one of the most discussed books ever. The contemporary novel was popular for its relatable portrayal of a young girl confronting early-adolescent anxieties.

After rejecting several offers to adapt her book in the past five decades, Blume finally sold the film rights and now you can finally see the beloved novel come alive on the big screen for everyone to enjoy!

For five decades, Blume’s classic, groundbreaking novel has impacted generations with its timeless coming-of-age story, insightful humor and candid exploration of life’s biggest questions.

Eleven-year-old Margaret is uprooted from her life in New York City for the New Jersey suburbs, going through the messy and tumultuous throes of puberty with new friends in a new school. She relies on her mother, Barbara, who is also struggling to adjust to life outside the big city, and her adoring grandmother, Sylvia, who isn’t happy they moved away and likes to remind them every chance she gets.

This film adaptation of the cherished 1970 novel is an absolute must see for anyone who has read the book or just wants a little mother-daughter outing. ‘It’s Me Margaret’ delivers some charming, light-hearted moments and some great fun.

There are quite a few very humorous moments scattered throughout which will really have you laughing. Some of the scenes that feature Margaret and her new friends finding out about some new changes that lie ahead are guaranteed to give you a good laugh. During the showing that I attended, quite a few people laughed, smiled and had a great time.

Indeed, the film can be quite humorous and delightful. There are also some very heart-warming moments and is truly a great coming-of-age story. The film does a great job showing the younger girls going through some of the anxieties of becoming a young teen and their reactions to the changes. There are also some dramatic parts in the film that can be a little emotional, especially when Margaret and her family get a little visit from grandparents.

The whole cast also did a good job. Young actress Abby Ryder Fortson does an amazing job as Margaret and her performance helps Margaret become such a relatable and well-liked character. Kathy Bates steals the show as her much-loving grandmother. Bates can be quite hilarious in a few of her scenes, especially when she keeps reminding them that they moved away from her.

So, make sure to head down to the Dietrich and have yourself a nice mother-daughter outing while watching ‘Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret.’ It’s a film that will have you laughing and maybe feel a little moved as well.

Some of the cast includes: Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret; Rachel McAdams as Barbara Simon; Benny Safdie as Herb Simon; Elle Graham as Nancy Wheeler; Amari Alexis Price as Janie Loomis; Katherine Mallen Kupferer as Gretchen Potter; Aiden Wojtak-Hissong as Moose Freed and Kathy Bates as Sylvia Simon.

‘It’s Me Margaret’ is based on the popular Judy Blume novel and is written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, who also wrote and directed the 2016 coming-of-age movie ‘The Edge of Seventeen.’

The film is rated PG-13 for thematic material involving sexual education and some suggestive material and has a running time of 104 minutes.

Make sure to keep on checking my Wyoming County Press Examiner reviews Facebook page to see what I will be checking out next! And speaking of what’s next — ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, ‘Book Club: The Next Chapter’ and ‘Fast X.’

https://youtu.be/LzRzojHC3iE