this is a film that viewers will not forget once it is over.
the information conveyed and the humor and fun along with the pathos ensures that one can not help but feel compassion for the young 12 year old girl, Gerren Taylor.
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The many layers of substantive merit are as mind opening as is the story of this child's formative years as an envied star.
What was weak for me is the relationship between the film maker, Darryl Roberts and his subject Gerren Taylor, the preteen super star.
I thought the dish washing scene was riveting and informative on the substance of this relationship that in many ways made the film richer, more emotionally charged. But we didn't see Darryl and Gerren talking, eating, creating the atmosphere of intimacy and that for me was an important omission. At the end of the documentary I wanted Darryl to embrace Gerren to show her the compassion and support the viewer could not help but experience due to the excellence of Darryl Roberts directing skills.
I also thought that Gerren's mother was not appreciated enough. This is a single mom, black and brazen and her goal is not just the fame of her child but to ensure that Gerren has a life without poverty. that she be cared for financially without help from others. We may not applaud the method used for this end but I do applaud her efforts.
This is a film to see and to buy. It is a perfect gift for the coming of age girl who wants to wear makeup or have those boob jobs and plastic surgery. On second thought , it isn't just coming of age girls who have been brought into the" Amereica is Beautiful and so must I be", way of life. Maybe we should all see this film, and work towards having it shown on Television, again and again, like the Wizard of Oz
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Linda Z
WBAI women's Collective
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