Cheap Blue Car (DVD) (David Strathairn, Agnes Bruckner, Margaret Colin) (Karen Moncrieff) Price

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Customer Reviews of Blue Car

Driven By Honest Emotions
Meg (Agnes Bruckner) is a depressed teenager caring for a troubled younger sister and a neglectful, selfish single mother. When her teacher (David Strathairn) notices her poetry talents, Agnes is given the self-esteem she so sorely lacks. The well-written plot follows Meg and Mr. Austers' relationship slowly develop in a cautious manner. When Meg is encouraged by Mr. Auster to enter a poetry contest in Florida, her enthusiasm is countered with family tragedy and personal emotional conflict. The two characters find subtle solace in odd things they have in common and the easy emotional support they give each other. These are complex characters given real-life situations. The emotions are real and the script and acting never gives in to banality or cliché. It is a heart-tugging treat to see the growth occur in every character, although at different levels and speeds. The conclusion is so full of honesty; it's difficult to blame anyone for their human follies in this melancholy piece of Americana. Writer-Director Karen Moncrieff's first feature film is marvelous.

Note: The deleted scenes don't add much to this DVD, but the Director's commentary is extremely insightful and heartfelt.

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Above Average Coming of Age Story
"Blue Car" is a small, independent film that may be easy for audiences to overlook, but it's definitely worthwhile. Young actress Agnes Bruckner stars as teen-aged Meg. She's like many girls her age - her parents are divorced, she has too much responsibility caring for her young sister, and she's ignored by her mother. However, "Blue Car" isn't the clichéd story of an out-of-control, unruly teen. Instead, Meg is a talented and sensitive writer and generally a good person. However, her chaotic and lonely environment leads her down the wrong road. Desperate for attention, she becomes involved in a strange relationship with her high school writing teacher (David Strathairn).

The pace of "Blue Car" is somewhat measured and the tone is low-key, which may bore some viewers. However, the plot was unpredictable enough to maintain my interest. Also, the rather naturalistic acting is solid and adds a great deal to this small film. First time director, Karen Moncrieff (best known for acting on several daytime soaps), also wrote the film, and she shows a great deal of talent. I hope that she gets the opportunity to direct again. Overall, "Blue Car" is an above-average and enjoyable indie film.

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A small film with quiet strength
Blue Car is a small little indie film that is short in length, and has no action, excitement, or mindblowing climaxes.It is however very well acted,sharply written, and quietly strong.

The plot is as simple as they come.Meg (Agnes Bruckner) is a quiet,lonely 16 year old girl who dreams of being a poet.She lives with her stressed single mother(Margaret Colin), and her emotionally damaged younger sister.Her life is bland and rather joyless.Enter Mr. Auster (David Strathairn), Meg's English teacher who regognizes Meg's blossoming talent, and sympathizes with her lonliness.In Mr. Auster Meg finds comfort and a mentor, and needless to say their relationship develops into something more than just a student teaCher interaction.

Like I said before this film is very short, and despite dealing with sadness and tough subjects Blue Car never gets melodramatic or overwrought.It had a tight script which held everything together well and great acting all around.Agnes Bruckner is very,very good in her lead role.Subtle and quietly intense,sullen and full of angst-she nails this role and captures your heart without ever milking for sympathy.I'm still wondering as to why she hasn't gotten more acclaim-she's a very talented young actress.David Strathairn was perfect in his role.Strathairn is a smart enough actor to give his character enough dimension and complexity that you aren't able to completely hate him in moments that you should.And Margaret Colin, as Meg's mother was just great as the weary mother.All the acting felt very natural, and understated enough to provide the movie with earnestness and an honest quality missing in many films. The denoument was a little harsh, but totally realistic.And by the end of the film, despite it being realistic and not partcularly "feel-good", I did feel a quiet hope for our heroine.

Blue Car isn't going to change your life, but its a very fresh little film with great acting and a quiet honesty that isn't found in many films nowadays.Recommended.