This amiable story of an unpopular 14 year old trying to gain acceptance (and deal with a crush on the new girl in town) strikes all the right notes. It rings true, perhaps, because it is not lazy in its handling of its characters. Every one of them is based on a stereotype, but none are permitted to remain stereotypes. Thus, this is a film that adults can relate to and junior high school students might find enlightening. Finely acted, pleasantly paced, this is a sweet little movie that's too easy to overlook.