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Fourteen-year old Sam (Bug Hall) and his promiscuous mother Lydia (Jennifer Jason Leigh) are
sent away by his grandfather to live on their own. The old man wants Sam to grow up and also to keep his campaign for governor free from family scandals. Sam becomes friends
with Maury (Mischa Barton) also fourteen, a classmate and neighbor. As Lydia carries on an affair with Hank (Michael Greyeyes) an Indian, the two young teeners begin to
experiment with sex, tolerated and encouraged by his mother. When Maury finds herself pregnant, she decides to go to an abortion clinic, accompanied by Lydia, her Aunt Dolores
and Sam. She is shocked to find her mother there also for an abortion.
Dream Girl originally
Skipped Parts, the same title as the written work, depicts the viewpoint of Sam, who is attempting to write. Although his relationship with his mother, his grandfather
and his friend Maury are shown, focus is on his involvement with Maury, their coming-of-age-experience and its attendant consequences. The acting of the main cast is adequate,
with Jennifer Jason Leigh contributing admirable efforts to her substantial role. Although Drew Barrymore's name is in the lead cast she has a very minor part.
While the mothers are promiscuous, it is surprising that their son and daughter appear naïve
about sex. Instead of considering the matter seriously, Lydia and Dolores take this as a laughing matter. More, Lydia even gives them the know-how. Viewers cannot miss the
rather casual treatment given to sexual matters. The free use of indecent language, free discussions on topics like masturbation, the attempted abortion of both mother and
daughter, and the moral behavior of both mothers give a disturbing portrayal of the sexual ethics of the characters in the story. Although Lydia is a plucky woman who learns
eventually to stand on her own feet, and teaches the young couple to put on a brave face before the people, these do not offset the negative elements in the film. Viewers
should know how to discern and judge the value of what they see. Sex education started in the home and complemented by the school will help develop a healthy attitude towards
sex.
(Date reviewed: December 7, 2001)
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