FilmSnobReviews

Title: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
MPA Rating: PG-13
Director: Kelly Fremon Craig
Starring: Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates
Runtime: 1 hr 46 mins

What It Is: Margaret (Ryder Fortson) is 11-years old when she’s moved from her beloved home of New York City to the suburbs of New Jersey. Her mother Barbara (McAdams) and father Herb (Benn Safdie) are very free with how they raise the young gal. This big move leads to big questions from the young girl including the role of religion in her life and the lives of those around her. All of this while having to go through all the changes being a tween brings forth.

What We Think: What a fun, hilarious and very real display of what being a tween girl is. Adapting Judy Blume correctly is something that takes a brave soul and given Kelly Fremon Craigs’ track record (The Edge of Seventeen) she seems exactly the person to do it. I can report that she absolutely nails it. The subtle comedy of the everyday situations that make up life are all on full display. Abby Ryder Fortson was the perfect choice for Margaret. She has a sweet innocence to her portrayal that really does make you want her to succeed and for her life to just get easier. McAdams and Safdie are immense as her parents even if we see ourselves in those surrogate roles throughout.

Our Grade: A, A tremendous family effort from a director who quietly keeps making some stellar films. Two effort two films that I think will stand the test of time. Even if Craig had to bust out a feature from Judy Blume. Perhaps more of her iconic works need to make their way to the big screen. If they feature the heart and fun of this one then I’m all for it. An exceptional piece that everyone in the family can enjoy! High praise for this indeed.