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About Alex

By Jeffrey M. Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Mature ensemble drama deals with suicide, drugs.

Movie R 2014 96 minutes
About Alex Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

age 14+

Simple yet Beautiful

About Alex is one of the simplest movies that you will remember. Yes, it does deal with mature topics like suicide, drugs, unplanned pregnancy and more, but it is important to know that these topics are the reality of life and this movie handles it beautifully. It stresses on friendship and how people and relationships change through the years. I absolutely enjoyed the simplicity of the movies and I truly feel that the actors did justice to their roles.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

ABOUT ALEX is inspiring, even if you're not of this specific generation. This film is the writing and directing debut of Jesse Zwick, the son of Oscar favorite Edward Zwick (Glory, etc.). His ensemble drama is a throwback to many other movies, notably The Big Chill and The Breakfast Club, as well as the more recent I Melt with You and 10 Years. It has enough youthful exuberance -- and naïvete -- to assume that it's saying something new. (Although, at one point, a character opines, "this is just like one of those '80s movies!")

But although About Alex doesn't really have a single fresh idea or genuine surprise, the characters actually do come to life and begin to exhibit their own amiable personalities. Actors like Plaza bring a special blend of intelligence, humor, and emotional vulnerability to their roles. Their relationships are complex, without any easy solutions, and decisions aren't easy. Yet characters continue to stumble forward, choosing hope over failure.

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