Love And Debate / Thanks To Gravity

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: January 1, 2006

DVD Release Date: August 25, 2009

Plot 411: A Hispanic Jewish girl from Miami learns about life and love.

Review: This movie came up under both of the listed titles, but I'm not sure why. I think Love And Debate more accurately describes the plot. Thanks To Gravity is almost like a mantra throughout the film. In any case, this movie is about Jordan (Gina Philips) and her transition from her senior year of high school through her senior year of college. During this time she struggles with herself, her identity, her dreams and her future. I enjoyed how this coming-of-age romantic drama realistically portrayed Jordan's struggles. This current generation has many options and are told they can be anyone they want to be. Yet, they are still confined to the traditions of their culture and upbringing. These two things can, at times, be opposing forces. While her friends are living it up during their last year of high school, the debate coach (Sean Astin) recruits Jordan onto the team. She discovers a new side to herself and becomes aware of all of life's possibilities. During Jordan's freshman year of college she becomes more independent, rebellious and falls in love with a non-Jew. An earlier experience has left her wary of men, but she hopes this relationship will last. As she becomes more involved with her boyfriend, she falls behind in debate and is kicked off the team. She proceeds through college and meets up with Elias (Adam Rodriguez), a family friend, who has more in common with her than she first gives him credit for. This is an interesting romantic comedy where culture, religion, identity and family meet at a crossroads and the protagonist is faced with the choice of several possible roads to her future.

Watch It: For a rom-com with a bit more substance and a lot more heart.

Skip It: If you're looking for a straight up mainstream coming-of-age flick.