Uptown Girls - A Movie Review

Some fairytales are true. Every ending is just a new beginning.

Uptown Girls was released to theaters in 2003. A young woman who likes to party and act out starts working as a nanny to a little girl with an adult mind. Despite their differences, Molly and Ray learn that they were the positive influence they needed all along.

I remember the first time I saw a trailer for Uptown Girls I immediately wanted to see it when I was eight years old. Except, I had to wait a few years to see it due to the content in the film. Uptown Girls enforces what friendship is all about. You don’t have to be equivalent to make a friendship work.

The late Brittany Murphy and Dakotah Fanning are the core of Uptown Girls. Opposite in lifestyle and personality, they come to one another at the right time. The best part about this movie is their interactions. But mostly their sarcasm. Murphy and Fanning shared emotional scenes that some viewers can relate to. We are not alone to fight our battles.

Molly has never had an easy life. Holding onto grief is painful for her. So she prefers to party over dealing with said issues. At first, I turned my nose up at some of her behavior or rebellious choices, but it’s all a part of her character. The late Brittany Murphy did a profound job with her emotions.

For eight-years-old, Dakotah Fanning was a very mature young child actress. Fanning was excellent in her harsh comebacks and dark sense of humor. Ray has the mind of an adult. Because of the way she was raised, Ray is turned off by childlike activities. Ray teaches viewers how important it is to be open with emotions and to enjoy life to the fullest.

Other credits to include are Marley Shelton, Donald Faison, Jesse Spencer, Austin Pendleton, and Heather Locklear. As the ensemble, the supporting cast of Uptown Girls each challenged Molly. My most favorite interactions were between Molly and her loyal friend, Ingrid (Shelton). Everyone is here to challenge Molly to try and bring out the best in her.

For all you music and dance lovers, Uptown Girls is the film to watch. Having a passion is what life is all about. Neal’s (Spencer) love for his music is commendable.

Boaz Yakin focused highly on the relationship between Molly and Ray. Movies about friendship are a given. Uptown Girls is a coming of age story. No matter the age, we are still growing and learning every day. I enjoyed the music choices and the location where the film was shot.

Uptown Girls is not a film for all audiences. Then again it is underrated and needs to be talked about more. The humor is a turn-off. Most viewers deem that it has a predictable plotline. I disagree with that. While it is obvious how the story is going to turn out, the climax warms my heart.

Be thankful for who comes into your life. Even after the sad passing of Brittany Murphy, Dakotah Fanning continues to remark great things about her co-star. People come into our lives for a reason to make a difference.

Think about who you are most thankful for. Uptown Girls made me appreciate the people I had in my life all the more. Never hold onto mistakes and always forgive.

I recommend that you watch Uptown Girls. I found a new meaning up Uptown Girls during my most recent watch and I will never let go of the genuine thought-provoking message. It is a funny movie that will also make you tear up.