Sam and Elvis

This teen pregnancy story unfortunately lacks the depth and sparkle to add much that's meaningful to a well-worn plot device. The dialogue in Sam and Elvis is often corny or stilted, and although the actors are pretty good most of the time, they seem like they're playing types of people instead of offering genuine insight into a particular person the audience might be interested in. The ending has a long, drawn-out scene that's meant to get the tears flowing but lasts way too long. And then there's the elephant in the room that makes it feel pretty inauthentic when the only choice Sam has to think about is between keeping the baby or giving it to be adopted; no other options are mentioned.

Teens will relate to Sam and empathize with the difficulties she's faced. And they'll admire her as she finds the courage and wisdom to do what she feels is best. It can be a good opportunity to talk with teens about your family's values and experiences with pregnancy, adoption, and foster care.