Reviews

When I finished the book _Confessions_ shortly before the movie aired on ABC, I was very impressed and quite interested to see how it would translate to film. The announced cast seemed a very good choice and the whole look of the movie was very fine indeed in the commercials. Now I've seen the movie. so how did it fare?

Well, as an adaptation of the book, there could've been some improvement. But as a film in general, it was a Sunday evening well-spent.

It _is_ a good thing that they did not try to stick right to the source, like the recent _Harry Potter_ movie. But it wasn't such a good idea to add magic to the movie, which was nonexistent in the book for a reason. It also would've been nice if they hadn't changed the whole story of Clara's mother, but as this was a 90-minute movie, it is excusable. However, some new or changed things were welcome. For instance, I enjoyed Stockard Channing's "nicer" (if you can say that) Margarethe. It was also probably better that they tightened up the characters. Ruth speaking was just as good as Ruth mute.

Performances were great as well. Stockard Channing is a standout as the meddling Margarethe. Azura Skye really is a charming Iris and Emma Poole has some excellent moments as Ruth. There isn't really a lot to say about Jenna Harrison as Clara, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Overall I was quite impressed with the cast.

_Confessions_ may not be the best translation, but it is admirable that they weren't afraid to be a bit different. There aren't many things I didn't like about it in general (although Ruth's big mouth in a certain scene was _way_, way too easy; and I didn't see it necessary that they add the Fortune Teller, but she was somewhat creepy in a good way), and there are some things I _really_ liked about it (the good parts are _really_ good). As a book adaptation, I'd give it a 6, but all in all, as a production, I'm torn between a 7 and an 8. Closer to an 8, I'm thinking.

Recommended.

When it was announced last year that 'Daria' was coming to an end, I have to admit I was disappointed. Then, when MTV aired the season five finale "Boxing Daria," I could only wonder how the 'Daria' crew could top it in the series finale. Unfortunately (?), they could not. However, the crew _did_ manage to put together a send-off that was very good, though not perfect.

The inevitable plot about graduation is the the main focus here, and remains interesting throughout. However, the secondary plots range from intriguing to not very good at all. I'm not going to go into great detail, but a few of my favorite situations were Quinn & Lindy's and Jane's. The most uninteresting (and one that could've been bettered with more exploration) were those with Brittany and Kevin. But even there we the viewers are thrown a few [small] redeeming bones. The best thing about these stories is that they weren't clearly wrapped up, leaving it up to the viewers to decide what happens. In a time where so many storylines are wrapped in neatly tied packages, this is quite a nice thing.

So, although this movie isn't as good as the best 'Daria,' it was still wholly entertaining through and through. It's sad that it's all over, but as creator Glenn Eichler said, they wanted to (and did) go out on a high note. Easy B+/8 material here, but it has the advantage of being a part of 'Daria'...9/10.

MTV's 'Daria' is, without a doubt, the best show on TV. For once, we the viewers get a realistic glimpse of high school life in the 90's and 00's. Daria Morgendorffer is the intelligent smart, witty, cynical teenage outcast protagonist from Lawndale. With a shield of sarcasm, she makes her way through teenage life, whether it be fleeing from ridiculous field trips, enduring psychotic teachers and shallow schoolmates, or trying to get through her own home life. The writing is top-notch, smart and funny, and the character development is unmatched. I've been a fan from the start, and have yet to be disappointed. The introduction of Tom made things even more interesting. I find I can hardly wait for the series finale movie in January, though I really don't want the show to end. Still, as it's going out on a high note, 'Daria' greatly deserves a 10/10 for being an excellent (not to mention underrated) show for its entire run (a great rarity today). Kudos!

As an avid viewer and huge fan of MTV's show 'Daria,' I was very much looking forward to the Daria movie 'Is It Fall Yet?' when it was announced in Winter 1999. As the fourth season of the show progressed and the underlying storyline became more and more intense until its forte in the season finale, I found I could hardly wait. When I finally did see it, my high expectations were met, to say the least. This was hardly surprising, coming from a show that rarely fails to please. The writing was smart and witty, and the humor was boundless (though some feared it would be nonexistent, as the final episodes of season 4 were much more dramatic). Storylines were tied up and development was everywhere, in some cases rather unexpectedly, and the film works as a great lead-in to Daria's fifth season. The celebrity guest voices were enjoyable as well, though Dave Grohl's didn't seem to add much. The only real complaint was that some of the scenes seemed ultimately unnecessary and took time away from the more "meatier" plot elements, which were much more intriguing. Still, that small complaint is nothing in this extremely enjoyable movie from an extremely enjoyable (and terribly underrated) show. In comparison with the rest of the series, I would rate it a high 9/10, but as a single subject in general, this high-quality MTV-film (is that a paradox...?) deserves a 10/10, just as the show itself does.