"Weeping willow with your tears running down, why do you always weep and frown? Is it because he left you one day? Is it because he could not stay? On your branches he would swing, Do you long for the happiness that day would bring? He found shelter in your shade, he thought his laughter would never fade. Weeping willow stop your tears, for there is something to calm your fears. You think death has ripped you forever apart, but I know he'll always be in your heart."

Review: My Girl

An Augustus Review of 6.5/10

 Today I wanted to focus on a coming of age film. Although there are hundreds of thousands of choices, I decided to go with the 1991 movie, My Girl. This movie is the definition of tear-jerking but a great flick none the less. This movie was directed by Howard Zieff and stars Anna Chlumsky as Vada, Macaulay Culkin as Thomas, Dan Aykroyd as Vada's father and Jamie Lee Curtis as Shelly. 

 The story beings with Vada, a young 11 year old girl who lives with her father. Vada is a hypochondriac (always worried that she has a serious illness). She is usually ignored by her father, who just doesn't seem to understand her.  Vada's house serves as a funeral parlor because her father is a funeral director. This has a tremendous effect on Vada, who is obsessed with death. She believes she killed her mother who died giving birth to her. She usually helps out her grandma who has Alzheimer's. 

Vada's best friend is her neighbour, Thomas. Thomas is allergic to absolutely "everything". He decides one day to squirt Vada with a water gun. This drives a chase between the two leading them into a forest. Vada throws a rock at Thomas but misses and hits a beehive instead. The bees begin to chase them and in the pursuit, Vada loses her mood-ring.

The summer starts off well, Vada meets Shelly, the new makeup artist at the funeral parlor. Shelly acts as the female guidance that Vada much needed. Vada also becomes infatuated with her school teacher whom she believes she will marry. Although everything seems swell, events take turn for the worst.

Shelly and Vada's father begin to date and eventually become engaged. Vada experiences her first menstrual cycle and becomes confused about her life. Her and Thomas sit at a dock near the river and experience their first kiss. Vada tells him that she lost her mood ring and soon after, he goes into the forest to find it. As he looks for it, he is attacked by bees and falls unconscious. Vada's life turns upside down when further bad news awaits her. 

My Girl is your classic movie of a girl learning the hardships of growing up. It really makes you feel sappy and warm inside. My Girl  grossed a total of over 59 million compared to its 15 million budget.

So if you love a good movie filled with love and childhood experiences, I recommend this one for you.

- Augustus