According To Greta

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 11, 2009

DVD Release Date: January 19, 2010

Plot 411: A rebellious teen girl gets shipped off to her grandparents' house for the summer.

Review: Hilary Duff stars as Greta, a highly rebellious teen who sports an enormous attitude. She is sent by her mother to live with her grandparents (Ellen Burstyn and Michael Murphy) in New Jersey, a jail sentence Greta thinks she will never survive. Greta continues to walk around with all her emotional and psychological baggage, which affects everyone around her. She gets a job at a local restaurant where she meets Julie (Evan Ross), who gives her a different perspective about life. I've gotta admit that this is my favorite Hilary Duff movie ever. It's a turn to something more mature and a step away from her previous teen rom com fluff. While this movie is still about young people and essentially a coming-of-age story, it is leaps and bounds ahead of the other stuff she's made. There's an actual sense of character (and a realistic one at that) that is deeper than surface level. Greta is a product of many bad situations in such a short life that I'm positive audiences will be able to relate to her angst.

Watch It: As it captures both sides of the coin and you'll either be able to relate to the teenage rebel or the frustrated adults.

Skip It: Because there is no prince who sweeps her off her feet and saves the day.

A Cinderella Story

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 16, 2004

DVD Release Date: October 19, 2004

Plot 411: When her father dies, Sam's life with her stepmother and stepsisters mimic the classic fairy tale Cinderella.

Review: This is a sweet teen rom com that definitely tugs at the heartstrings and is overly sentimental, but somehow it still manages to make you feel good inside. It stars Hilary Duff as Sam, a teenager living in the hell that became her life when her father died. Sam lives with her demanding stepmother Fiona (Jennifer Coolidge) and two stepsisters who are basically Tweedle Dee and Tweede Dum. Sam works hard at their family's diner with the support of long-time employees like Rhonda (Regina King) and Bobby (Paul Rodriguez). Sam confesses some of her troubles to Nomad, an online friend who invites her to meet him at the school's Halloween dance. Nomad turns out to be the school's most popular kid (Chad Michael Murray), but Sam runs away before he can find out who she is (just like old Ella did). In any case, this film, like many other teen flicks, is about coming into your own and the transition from a child to an adult. As always, Duff has a brilliant glow about her and it carries through the film despite all the non-glamorous things she is tasked to do. I also like how they manage to weave in chating, IMing, texting and all that other technology stuff into the film. It's almost like re-watching history because I suppose I grew up with that techonology as well and can definitely relate.

Watch It: If you're still hopefully dreaming of the day when your prince will sweep you off your feet.

Skip It: If you've long since let go of the idea of a prince because maybe this movie will give you hope again.

The Perfect Man

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: June 17, 2005

DVD Release Date: November 1, 2005

Plot 411: A single mom uproots her family whenever her heart is broken and her eldest daugther finally puts her foot down.

Review: Heather Locklear and Hilary Duff star in this film about female empowerment . . . well, sorta. Locklear plays Jean, a single mom who is struggling to raise her two girls Holly (Duff) and Zoe (Aria Wallace). She is also desperate to find a man because she's tired of struggling on her own and doesn't feel fulfilled unless she has one. Because of her desperation, she continuously picks losers who let her down. When (not if) her heart gets broken, she packs up her house and kids and moves to another city. This is their family's new adventure. During their recent move to Brooklyn, Holly decides that enough is enough and creates a perfect man for her mom. This man is based on her friend's uncle, played by Chris Noth. She takes his advice and through the power of ingenuity and technology she is able to create a virtual suitor in hopes that her mother realizes she is perfect the way she is. While watching this film, I couldn't help but wonder whether Noth chose his films because of their location (New York) more than plot. From Sex and the City to Law & Order, the guy doesn't seem to leave the Big Apple. Also, Locklear and Duff look really good as mother and daughter. Their blonde hair and blue eyes are really striking. Other than that, this wasn't a really notable rom com or teen flick.

Watch It: For a chance to see Mr. Big?

Skip It: Because it's pretty unforgettable anyway.