Tiger Eyes

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.