Movie Review: Ghost World

Today I watched "Ghost World", a 2001 movie starring Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Renfro, and Steve Buscemi. I didn't really know what to expect, and the "Blockbuster.com" description of the movie was completely vague: "...the story of two teenage girls at the height of disillusionment". This description could literally mean... well, anything, but I liked the list of characters so I gave "Ghost World" a chance. And... I loved it. With the exception of a slow ending, this movie was really cool, and really funny. Maybe it's just because it hit home with me... the two smart-ass, rebel girls that imagine a life without rules or expectations was totally me and my best friend in high school. And the lost, "I don't know where my life is going" and "I just want to run away" attitude of Thora Birch's character can hit home with any one of us at that age (or even now). Although this movie had very little plot, I was completely entertained.

I've always been a fan of Steve Buscemi, and this movie didn't let me down. His role in "Ghost World" was different than any role I'd ever seen him in before. Instead of making sarcastic remarks and trying to be a tough guy, in this movie reveals his dorky, lonely, man-on-his-own side. It was refreshing, and even though I pitied his character I embraced this change. But that might be because I loved every character in this movie, from the out-there art teacher, to the coffee shop laptop wheelchair guy (by the way, that scene was hilarious). Every character made the movie that much more interesting.

If there was any let down to "Ghost World", it was the whole end-half. I won't spoil it for you fine folks out there, but it just really dragged. The beginning had so much potential that it made me a little sad it didn't end with a bang. I also felt really bad for Thora Birch's character. I guess because I had related with her character through most of the movie, I was hoping for everything to work out for her. Maybe it did, maybe it didn't, but everything was left ambiguous when I wanted answers.

Overall, the movie was a pleasant surprise, and I recommend it to every smart-ass that has questioned the world around her/him, and every person that isn't good with making decisions. Go watch it!