Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret: A Treasured Youth Novel Finds Its Movie Mojo
By Bonnie Laufer
Rating B-plus
There comes a time in a woman's life when her most treasured and beloved childhood novel gets made into a film. My copy of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume, was so worn out when I was 10, I had to buy a second copy.
The book came out in 1973 and has since been read by millions, if not billions, of young girls and boys around the world.
Kathy Bates and Abby Ryder Fortson in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
Over the past half-century, Blume has had countless offers to turn it into a film, but has always refused - until now. Not only did she come on board as a producer, but eagle eyed fans will notice her quick cameo.
The story centers around 11-year-old Margaret Simon, who, with her mom and dad, move from New York to New Jersey to start a new life.
The budding young lady has plenty of angst like any girl her age, making new friends, crushing on boys, her changing body and struggling with religion.
Raised by a Christian mother and a Jewish father, she starts to ask questions about religion and faith and is unsure where to turn. The anxiety that she feels is palpable so every night (and often during the day) Margaret talks to God asking for help.
The film adaptation of this treasured novel is absolutely delightful. Written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig (The Edge of Seventeen), it’s honest, realistic, heartfelt and captures the emotions of Margaret and her young friends perfectly.
The casting is spot on, Newcomer Abby Ryder Fortson is a sensational little actress and brilliant as Margaret. She captures her in such a realistic and relatable way, I can’t imagine that young girls who see the film won’t want to be her best friend.
Rachel McAdams, who recently became a mother herself, is the mother we all wish for. Caring and loving, she plays the role of Barbara Simon with genuine warmth and kindness.
Scene stealer, Kathy Bates is absolutely hilarious as Margaret’s paternal grandmother Sylvia, in her flowing caftans and matching pant suits. Who would have thought that an actor who won an Oscar for Misery, playing straight up evil and deranged, would be so perfect as a spunky and opinionated Jewish grandmother?
The scenes with Margaret and her three school friends are totally relatable. In one stand out, Margaret who has not yet started menstruating, decides that she needs to get ready for the big event. So she along with her friend Janie go to the local conscience store to buy some pads.
The girls are horrified that when they go to pay, there is a lanky teenage boy at the cash register. The girls place the pads on a conveyor belt, which feels like it's moving at a snail's pace. So Margaret, in true form, throws a pack of tic-tacs on the package of pads in sheer embarrassment.
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret is by no means a perfect film, but it captures the book’s essence and will not disappoint fans who are itching for a little nostalgia and innocence.
And Kathy Bates’ Jewish Grandmother? Oh my God. I want her to make me some blintzes and take me to Broadway. A must see - and bring some tissues too.
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. Written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craid, from the book by Judy Blume. Stars Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates. Opens in theatres Friday, April 28.