Plot: What’s it about?
It’s kind of strange, to me, how hearing or seeing a name can churn up some memories. Case in point, when this movie arrived, I’d probably not thought of the name Judy Blume since I was in grade school. I was a fan of some of her works like Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and it’s sequel – Superfudge. But perhaps one of her better-known works was the titular piece and one that I’d never read (then again I was never a teenage girl, so that was probably for the best). Blume’s novels had a very coming-of-age vibe about them and like the John Hughes films of the 80’s, these books “spoke” to young adults. The source material might be nearly a half a decade old, but I’m willing to bet that the overall message is timeless.
We meet Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson), who’s just moved from Manhattan to the New Jersey suburbs to the dismay of her widowed grandmother (Kathy Bates). She’s close with her, but her mother – Barbara (Rachel McAdams) is an art teacher who wants nothing more than to be a PTA mom. Her father, Herb (Benny Safdie) also has aims of being the typical suburbanite Dad who mows lawns. Of note, Mom is Christian and the Dad is Jewish. Margaret is given the choice to pick her religion when she becomes an adult (hence the title of the book/movie). Notably, Mom is Christian and Dad is Jewish and they tell Margaret she can pick her religion when she becomes an adult—hence all the talking-to-God stuff. Margaret meets and makes friends with Nancy (Elle Graham), a bit of a brat, but someone who she finds comfort in. A move to a new town, a mixed religious household and adolescence – isn’t growing up fun?
As I alluded to above, the overall message of this film and most all of Blume’s books – is timeless. Kids will always have issues/angst growing up and Blume’s novels had a way of pinpointing it in a way that young adult readers can understand. Likely anyone who’s make it though their teens can certainly identify with at least a character or two in this film. There’s no jaw-dropping plot, rather the film seems to follow the book pretty well in that it’s all about the things that happen during the course of becoming an adult. The film’s director, Kelly Fremon Craig, understands this. Her charming adaptation is filled with affection for both the novel and its characters. She doesn’t try to ramp up the drama. She accepts it for what it is. And that’s part of the film’s charm.
Video: How’s it look?
I must have missed this release when it was first released on Blu-ray a few years ago and, for whatever reason, this is now seeing the light of day in 4K. I’ve said it before, but most new-to-the-format films will generally always look good, even those that are set in the past (which really shouldn’t matter). But this 1.85:1 HEVC 4K image does bring with it the addition of Dolby Vision and I was blown away at the video quality. The color palette is bursting with the primary colors, contrast is strong and detail is off the charts. I can’t imagine the Blu-ray looking “bad” by any means, but this one knocked it out of the park.
Audio: How’s it sound?
It seems odd to have a coming-of-age feature a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Call me crazy, but every time I see the words Dolby Atmos, my mind wanders to a film like Avengers: Endgame and not Are You There God, it’s Me Margaret. Then again I judge on appearance. Suffice it to say that the Atmos track delivers a solid-sounding mix that’s sure to please, but I don’t think you’ll be picking any pictures off the ground that shook off during the viewing. Vocals are strong and pleasing, surrounds offer some nice ambiance and it makes for an overall satisfying soundtrack.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Finally That Time: Making Margaret – A pretty basic featurette that has some talking points with the cast and crew.
- Are You There Margaret? It’s Me, Judy – An eight minute discussion with the noted author.
- The Secret Crew Club: Margaret and Friends – A discussion with the three teens from the film.
- Bringing the Period to Life: Designing Margaret – This is, obviously, set in the time period when the book came out and we get a look at some of the nostalgia contained in the film’s intro.
- From Book to Screen – This appears to be a new supplement on this 4K disc and one that wasn’t on the Blu-ray. We’re once again greeted with Blume who tells us of the process from book to film.
- Deleted Scenes – 90 seconds’ worth don’t add a lot to the film.
- Roundtable Discussion – Some key players that include Judy Blume, James L. Brooks, Abby Ryder Forston, Kelly Fremon Craig, Rachel McAdams and Julie Ansell.
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
The children of the 70’s had Judy Blume, flash forward a generation or two and now we’ve got Stephanie Myers and Suzanne Collins because I guess teens nowadays can relate more to vampires and Survivor-esque films that make you into a better person. Regardless, there’s a litany of folks out there that have a very fond place in their heard for Blume’s novels and, certainly, this film.
