Parents' Guide to Hope Springs Eternal

Despite centering on the very iffy idea that anyone would rather die from cancer than deal with the uncertainty of life, this teen dramedy ultimately turns clichés around. Frampton, who's reminiscent of Hayden Panettiere, is a likable enough performer in the central role. Even as Hope begins to make ridiculously bad choices -- like telling a friend that her cancer has gotten worse rather than been cured, or getting a mani-pedi instead of studying when she's failing several classes -- audiences will still root for her to face the consequences of her actions and get a second chance. It's particularly difficult to watch Hope interact with her best friend, Sarah, who's also dying from cancer. Sarah, like fellow bestie Seth, can't believe that Hope is somehow upset that she's no longer terminal. "It's like cancer is all about the attention for you," Sarah tells Hope in a much-needed confrontation scene. Meanwhile, Sarah has to deal with not finishing school, never having been kissed, and the looming possibility of death.

As much as audiences will want to yell at Hope for her idiocy, the script makes sure that Hope ultimately realizes that "cancer perks" all pale in comparison to being healthy and whole. Hope learns all the lessons you'd imagine from a tween-targeted drama. Yes, the supporting actors can be a bit hammy -- the mean girls and Kai in particular are a bit over the top -- and the entire production seems more like a Nickelodeon or Disney special than a theatrical release. But Hope Springs Eternal has just enough heart to work, especially for its target audience.