My Girl (1991)
Synopsis:
My Girl is a coming-of-age story centered around 11-year-old Vada Sultenfuss, who lives with her widowed father, Harry, in a funeral home. Vada is a curious and imaginative girl who spends her summer days with her best friend, Thomas J. Sennett. As Vada navigates the challenges of growing up, she deals with her father's new relationship with Shelly, a makeup artist at the funeral home. Vada and Thomas J. share adventures and explore their small town, forming a strong bond. The film captures the innocence and complexities of childhood friendships and family dynamics, set against the backdrop of the early 1970s.
Where To Watch: My Girl
Parental Feedback
My Girl, released in 1991, is a coming-of-age drama that explores themes of friendship, loss, and growing up. As a movie rated PG-13, it is intended for teens and has a nostalgic yet poignant tone that resonates with many viewers. Parental sentiment is generally positive, with many appreciating its heartfelt storytelling, though some express concerns about its emotional depth and mature themes.
Why Teens Should Watch My Girl
My Girl is praised for its touching portrayal of friendship and personal growth.
- It emphasizes the importance of friendship and dealing with loss.
- The character development of Vada, as she navigates her emotions, is a standout element.
- The film's nostalgic setting and emotional depth appeal to teens.
- It offers a realistic depiction of adolescence and the challenges it brings.
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch My Girl
Some parents are concerned about the film's handling of sensitive topics.
- The theme of death and loss may be emotionally challenging for some viewers.
- A scene involving a funeral may be unsettling for younger teens.
- The film's emotional intensity might be overwhelming for sensitive viewers.
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Parents are split, and it largely depends on your teen’s maturity level due to the film's exploration of death and emotional themes.
What Parents Should Know About My Girl
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie explore topics that require emotional maturity or guidance? | The film deals with themes of death and grief, particularly through the loss of a friend, which are explored through dialogue and key scenes. |
| Does this movie portray risky behaviors that go unchecked or without consequences? | There are no significant risky behaviors portrayed without consequences; the film focuses more on emotional and social challenges. |
| Does the main character show growth or learning across the story? | Vada matures significantly, learning to cope with her emotions and understanding the complexities of life and death. |
| Are gender roles, relationships, or family dynamics portrayed in thoughtful or outdated ways? | The film portrays family dynamics and friendships in a thoughtful manner, highlighting the importance of support and understanding. |
| Will this movie prompt important conversations with my teen? | The film's exploration of loss and friendship can lead to meaningful discussions about coping with grief and valuing relationships. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
My Girl is celebrated for its heartfelt narrative and strong performances, particularly from its young cast. While the film's exploration of loss and emotional themes may be intense for some, it provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations between parents and teens. Parental guidance can help navigate these themes, making it a valuable viewing experience. For those seeking similar films, Stand by Me offers another poignant look at friendship and growing up.
Official My Girl Trailer
The Core Values Learned From My Girl
My Girl's most common core values include Dealing with loss, Friendship, and Family love. The movie poignantly addresses dealing with loss as the young protagonist, Vada, navigates the complexities of Growing up amidst personal Tragedy. This journey helps kids understand the importance of processing emotions and finding strength in difficult times.
Friendship is beautifully portrayed through Vada's bond with her best friend, Thomas J., as they share adventures and support each other, teaching children the value of loyalty and companionship. Family love is another central theme, as Vada's relationship with her father evolves, highlighting the importance of understanding and appreciating family connections. These core values are woven into the narrative, offering children relatable examples of how to handle life's challenges with resilience and empathy.
Other Core Values Explored: Emotional growth | Empathy | Courage | Self-discovery | Appreciating family | Being a good friend | Respect | Love | Resilience | Letting go
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From My Girl
Accepting Life’s Endings: Kids learn about the inevitability of loss and how to cope with it through Vada's experiences. The movie shows how Vada deals with the death of her best friend, Thomas J., teaching children the importance of accepting life's endings and finding ways to move forward.
Building Friendships: The strong bond between Vada and Thomas J. highlights the value of friendship. Their adventures and shared experiences demonstrate how friendships can provide support and joy, teaching kids the importance of building and maintaining meaningful relationships.
Importance of Family: Vada's relationship with her father and his new partner, Shelly, emphasizes the significance of family connections. Children see how family dynamics can change and the importance of understanding and appreciating family members, even when things are difficult.
Practicing Empathy: Throughout the movie, Vada learns to understand and share the feelings of others. Her interactions with her father, Shelly, and Thomas J. show kids how practicing empathy can help them connect with others and navigate their own emotions.
Coping with Change: Vada faces many changes, from her father's new relationship to the loss of her friend. The movie teaches children how to adapt to life's changes and find strength in themselves and their loved ones during challenging times.
Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Yourself | Appreciating the Little Things | Embracing Differences | Finding Happiness in Relationships | Letting Go with Love | Treasuring Time with Loved Ones
Why Kids Love My Girl
My Girl is a heartfelt journey that draws kids into the world of Vada Sultenfuss, where relatable sibling dynamics and the thrill of making new friends come to life. The movie is filled with the excitement of unexpected friendships and the joy of finding your people, as Vada and her best friend, Thomas J., explore their small town. Kids will be captivated by the quirky and awkward situations Vada finds herself in, making them laugh and cheer for her unique personality.
The film's charming portrayal of family bonds and pet friendships adds warmth and humor, while the moments of standing up for others and helping someone in need showcase the bravery and heroism that kids admire. As Vada learns to lead in her own way, children are drawn into her adventures, enjoying the mix of fun, friendship, and the everyday magic of growing up. With its blend of humor, heart, and relatable experiences, My Girl is a delightful movie that keeps kids entertained and engaged.