Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tender, well-acted teen drama is true to classic Blume book.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Tiger Eyes
What's the Story?
Like Judy Blume's beloved 1981 book, TIGER EYES the movie centers around Davey Wexler (Willa Holland), an Atlantic City teenager whose father is violently killed. Davey moves with her grieving mother (Amy Jo Johnson) and little brother to Los Alamos, New Mexico, where her aunt and uncle live. Things in Los Alamos (where everyone is connected to the National Laboratory) are a huge change of pace for Davey, who finds solace in hiking the area's many trails. One day as she's stumbling around some rocks, she meets a handsome Native American guy who tells her his name is Wolf (Tatanka Means). He offers to show her around ancestral caves if she gets proper hiking boots, so she does, eager to get to know him better. As a volunteer candy striper, Davey also meets a hospitalized Native American man who turns out to be Wolf's father, and, with their help and support, she learns to confront her grief.
Is It Any Good?
This movie is quiet and tender and well acted, and it makes you thankful for family and the joy of finding yourself in new places and people. With Judy Blume co-writing the Tiger Eyes screenplay with her son, director Lawrence Blume, it's no surprise that the film is incredibly faithful to the novel, except for the tiniest of details (and, of course, the decade). The upside is that fans of the book will see nearly every pivotal line and scene in the novel translated to the big screen. The way Davey and Wolf meet, the life-changing relationship Davey develops with Wolf's dying father, the problems between Davey and her exacting uncle, her friendship with high-strung Jane -- it's all in the film.
Holland, best known as the younger sister on the hit show Arrow, has a lovely presence and a subtle touch as Davey, who goes through an emotional journey of grief, anger, self discovery, and even romance. Tatanka captures Wolf's spirit, and their relationship is sweeter than it is steamy -- a refreshing change of pace from the instant love so popular in other teen-targeted movies. This is the kind of character-driven coming-of age tale that would have worked as easily on television as in the movies.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how faithful an adaptation Tiger Eyes is and whether you think it translates well to the screen. If you aren't familiar with the book, does the movie make you want to read it?
Parents may want to use Jane's vodka habit to discuss the dangers of underage drinking. How does Jane's alcohol consumption affect her dating and then her audition? Teens: What would happen if you or a friend showed up at school drunk?
The movie shows an intercultural relationship between Davey and Wolf. What, if anything, does Davey learn about Wolf's Native American heritage?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 7, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : January 7, 2014
- Cast : Amy Jo Johnson , Tatanka Means , Willa Holland
- Director : Lawrence Blume
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Indigenous Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Freestyle Releasing
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material including a violent incident, and some teen drinking
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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