Her Best Move – DVD Review

Everyone knows that almost every romantic comedy featuring adults seems to be clichéd and formulaic in nature. But the same can be said for almost every rom-com featuring teenagers. Not only do teen romantic comedies follow the same similar pattern of their adult counterparts, but more times than not soccer is involved. When a female star has to be the ugly duckling jock in a coming-of-age story, she often plays soccer. It happened in Bend it Like Beckham, She’s All That, 10 Things I Hate About You and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants to name just a few. The newest entry into this genre of film is the direct-to-DVD release Her Best Move.

The story follows Sara (Leah Pipes), a soccer star at her high school who has a chance to make it to the National Development Team, which could lead to World Cup trophies and Olympic gold. When it looks like she won’t make the team, Sara is heartbroken, but her interests start to turn to her schoolwork, dance lessons, and romancing Josh (Drew Tyler Bell), a brooding yearbook photographer. But then, there’s another possibility that Sara could make the national team, and suddenly she must question her priorities. Caught between what her domineering coach father (Scott Patterson) wants for her future and her newfound desire to actually enjoy being a love-struck, relaxed teenager, Sara has to find her priorities in life quickly before important decisions are made for her.

There are no big names in this film. The most known person in this film would probably be Scott Patterson, best known from appearing on Gilmore Girls. That doesn’t stop the acting from being good, especially the lead role, Leah Pipes. Pipes is believable as a soccer playing, angst-ridden teenager who is torn between two loves. She is also likable and less annoying than other leading females that star in films targeted for teenage girls like Lindsay Lohan or Miley Cyrus. The rest of the supporting cast are decent enough and do what they need to do.

The story is highly predictable. We have seen both the central plot and subplot before in previous movies. There is no dramatic tension to be found here, but it is refreshing to see a film like this that sticks to a G rating and doesn’t feel forced to resort to cheap juvenile gross-out jokes. Now that doesn’t mean this film is that funny, because it’s not really, but there is a message to be learned here. Thankfully this film never feels too preachy, though.

Her Best Move is just another typical teen romantic comedy/coming-of-age film. Everything about the film is predictable, but at least this is a film that can truly be considered family-oriented. Leah Pipes is excellent and equally likable in the lead role. This is a surprisingly welcome addition to this genre of film, which will surely please the target demographic of teenage girls.

Whether you like soccer or not, if are looking for a quality family film with good heart and a message that older teens and even over-demanding parents can learn from, Her Best Move is worth a rental.

The video is given in both 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen color, which is enhanced for 16:9 TVs, and 1.33:1 fullscreen. The video is decent, but not the best. The colors are not as bright as they could have been, but there are no major problems at all.

The audio included is available in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound, English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo sound, Spanish Dolby Digital Stereo sound, or French Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo sound. There are subtitles available in English and Spanish as well. The dialogue and music come out loud and clear, so no major problems here either.

There are no extras for this film at all.

This is a good family film that is worth a look. Though it brings nothing new to the coming-of-age/teenage romantic comedy genre, it has a good message and heart. But basically if you have a teenage or pre-teen daughter and have gotten tired of Hannah Montana, then give this a rental.

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MGM Home Video presents Her Best Move. Directed by Norm Hunter. Written by Norm Hunter and Tony Vidal. Starring Leah Pipes, Scott Patterson, Lisa Darr, Drew Tyler Bell, Lalaine, and Daryl Sabara. Running time: 109 minutes. Rated: G. Released on DVD: August 19, 2008.
Available at Amazon.com.