DVD Review: Flipped

Flipped didn’t get much press, and it didn’t have very many big names to support it. But that doesn’t make any less of a great film. This was actually one of my favorite films of the year. It’s cute, funny, and charming. And the quote on the outside of the DVD box from CBS-TV is pretty much right on, it’s “an instant classic.”

Flipped tells the story of Bryce (Callan McAuliffe) and Juli (Madeline Carroll) who first met in second grade. Juli knows she’s in love with Bryce. Bryce doesn’t feel the same. While Bryce does his best to avoid Juli, Juli looks forward to their every encounter. As the two grow up and enter junior high, they start to find out who they are – and the things that are really important.

Juli is raised by a family that puts an emphasis on art, feelings, and family. Bryce on the other hand has a father who you’ll think is a jerk for the majority of the film. His mom and sister seem sweet enough, but the real jewel of the family is the grandfather played by John Mahoney. He takes an instant liking to Juli and helps Bryce to see that there might just be more there than he’d realized before.

What’s really unqiue about this film is that you get the same story from two completely separate perspectives. You get Bryce’s point of view, and then Juli’s, and they’re completely different. This is one of the most charming aspects of the film. You have a scene with seven year old Bryce running away because he doesn’t like Juli, and then Juli interpretting it as him being embarassed of his feelings. Boys just don’t get it as quickly as we girls do, do they?

The special features on the DVD release are really cute. From how to make the best volcano (they use model clay which looks like it would take forever and be insanely expensive… but it looks great!) to how to raise chickens, to a featurette on the differences between a boy and a girl – you’ll find some extra entertainment here.

Flipped is a hidden gem in the movie industry this year. Be sure to check it out, you’ll be glad you did.

Grade: A

Review By: Emma Loggins

Flipped [Blu-ray]

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  1. My Gf & I watched it last night & it was a good movie. Great for the family or you an your other half just enjoying a night together. Give it a Grade:A
    Another great one to watch by Director Rob Reiner is: Stand by Me (1986)