It seems that this is one of those films critics love to hate! I haven't read so many negative reviews from the audience, but the critics are almost anonymous in finding anything negative possible... not that I cared about it... This coming of age comedy-drama based on the novel of the same name by Pete Fromm (described as "spirited and sharply intelligent") is directed by Max Mayer. Claire Danes is playing young mom, Sarah Bolger is the responsible daughter and James Marsden is the father of the Diamond family. Young Sarah's performance was outstanding, together with Thomas Mann who was her friend Kenny in the movie. Why were they overlooked in the critics reviews is something I cannot answer. The story of Lucy (Bolger) was simply unique mosaic of familiar narrative elements... she is a self-confessed tomboy that is considered one of the guys with her masculine haircut and attitude, gets on well with her father (Marsden) but is frequently separated from him for months when he works in Canada as lumberjack. Her relationship with her mother (Danes) is easy-going provided she keeps the house tidy, and that allows her to develop excellent cooking skills. As Lucy turns 16, she tunes into her sexuality and her family dynamics developing a type of friends-with-benefits relationship with her best friend Kenny... If you love movies in which the main character is dreaming of a bigger life while dealing with her parents' disintegrating marriage trying to juggle inexperience as her only skill in her own relationships - this is a movie which will make you happy after some frustration.