Spoiler Machine Review: Flipped
Let’s dive into the delightful mess that is Flipped, a film that takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the awkwardness of young love, all while managing to make you cringe and laugh in equal measure. It’s like watching a romantic comedy written by a pair of 13-year-olds who just discovered the concept of feelings.
Our story kicks off with Juli Baker, a girl who clearly skipped the part of childhood where you learn to play it cool. She’s been crushing on her neighbor, Bryce Loski, since they were seven—because nothing screams romance like childhood infatuation and the occasional tree-climbing adventure. Juli thinks Bryce is the bee’s knees, while Bryce, in true boy fashion, finds her a bit… let’s say, “quirky.” I mean, who wouldn’t be turned off by a girl who raises chickens and is passionate about her family’s massive, inconveniently placed tree? Oh, the horror!
Fast forward to their teenage years, and suddenly, the tables have turned. Bryce, now a bit more aware of his own attractiveness and the fact that Juli has, like, feelings, starts to develop a crush on her. Talk about a plot twist! But let’s be real—Juli’s not just a pretty face; she’s got personality for days. She’s headstrong, idealistic, and just a tad obsessed with her unkempt chickens. In contrast, Bryce is just trying to figure out if he’s a jock or a sensitive artist. Spoiler alert: he’s neither.
The film beautifully chronicles their ups and downs, including the infamous first kiss, which, let’s be honest, is less about romance and more about the awkward fumbling that every teenager dreads. Juli and Bryce share this moment under a tree, and it’s all very sweet until you realize they’re both just trying to navigate the minefield of adolescence. You half-expect a voiceover from a wise old sage telling them to just chill out and enjoy the ride.
But of course, no coming-of-age story is complete without a good dose of family drama! Juli’s family is a little too much on the “quirky” side, and Bryce’s is more on the “we’re just here for the pizza” vibe. The juxtaposition is as subtle as a sledgehammer, but it gives us plenty of laughs as we watch Juli’s dad and Bryce’s mom interact. It’s like watching a sitcom unfold in real life, where the punchlines are awkward pauses and the occasional eye roll.
As the film reaches its climax, we see Juli’s perspective shift dramatically. She realizes that sometimes, the boy you’ve been crushing on isn’t the prince charming you thought he was. In a shocking twist, she embraces her individuality and her love for her chickens (yes, the chickens make a comeback), while Bryce has a moment of existential crisis, realizing he might just be a jerk. Who knew young love could be so… enlightening?
In the end, Flipped leaves us with the sweet taste of nostalgia, a reminder that adolescence is a messy, awkward time filled with crushes, misunderstandings, and plenty of cringeworthy moments. So, if you’re in the mood for a film that captures the essence of young love while making you laugh, cry, and cringe all at once, give this one a watch. Just don’t forget to bring your inner 13-year-old along for the ride!