The first third of "Heartthrob" gave the impression of a coming-of-age film with the budding romance of young Samantha (Sam) Maddox with the school's valedictorian, Henry Sinclair. Then, the mood shifted over to the dark side with the emergence of Henry as a monster. The snooty TNT twins (Tina and Tasha) provided some comic relief. But the film failed to juggle different styles of light comedy, romance, and the horror genre.
The deeply troubling summer at Tacoma includes multiple fatalities with Sky's friends Bailey and Dustin murdered in cold blood. There was no police presence or investigation into the deaths by any of the characters. Even more troubling is that Sky fails to recognize the violent side of Henry after he physically abuses her and attacks her former high school teacher in the restaurant where she works.
Sky was such a well-balanced, self-confident character that it stretched credibility that she could not recognize the danger signs in Henry. The most memorable moments in the film were the early scenes, including strolls on the beach and roller skating. The film then fell apart with a by-the-numbers psycho on the loose film.
Stylistically, the film was a hodgepodge. The asides spoken by Sky directly to the audience at the end did not work, despite the convincing characterization of the fine actress playing Sky. And a strange "double" scene occurred with Sky seemingly talking to her mother and to Henry simultaneously.
The best scenes were the simple ones, such as the great one-liners of Sky's friend Cleo at the restaurant where she opines that "love is what happens when you are making other plans." How true!
The deeply troubling summer at Tacoma includes multiple fatalities with Sky's friends Bailey and Dustin murdered in cold blood. There was no police presence or investigation into the deaths by any of the characters. Even more troubling is that Sky fails to recognize the violent side of Henry after he physically abuses her and attacks her former high school teacher in the restaurant where she works.
Sky was such a well-balanced, self-confident character that it stretched credibility that she could not recognize the danger signs in Henry. The most memorable moments in the film were the early scenes, including strolls on the beach and roller skating. The film then fell apart with a by-the-numbers psycho on the loose film.
Stylistically, the film was a hodgepodge. The asides spoken by Sky directly to the audience at the end did not work, despite the convincing characterization of the fine actress playing Sky. And a strange "double" scene occurred with Sky seemingly talking to her mother and to Henry simultaneously.
The best scenes were the simple ones, such as the great one-liners of Sky's friend Cleo at the restaurant where she opines that "love is what happens when you are making other plans." How true!