So much to think about after seeing this today. I thought the acting was very good. Realistic. In 4th grade I remember a big controversy at my school about this book. We were not allowed to read it. That was 1978. How refreshing to see what all the fuss was about. Anyway, I enjoyed seeing this film and look forward to buying the book! Powerful. Kathy Bates character is so lovable and fun. Who wouldn't want a Grandma like that? Her timing is hilarious. She's so warm in all the right places. She's the true hero to me. Costumes/attire/fashions seemed believable. Kudos to costume designers. Of course kudos to Judy Blume for the courage to write a book for girls with big ideas. Because we have brains.

As a guy in his fifties I have seen a lot and I mean a lot of films about dudes coming of age. And while a few women coming of age films have crossed my path none have been as good as Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. Most movies studios are run by men and even when a woman manages to get the top spot she does nothing to shake up the kinds of fare put out there. So congrats to Lionsgate for bankrolling the adaptation of this book.

What makes the picture stand out is it's dealing with preteen girls and their sexual confusion, not just about boys but about their own bodies. I can think of few films to actually deal with getting your period. The pics that even address it usually bring it up as a source of gross out humor. I'm also hard pressed to think of the last film I saw where a young woman had to deal with getting a bra for the first time. This is stuff every young woman must go through but it's seldom seen in cinema. Or at the very least, in most flicks I've seen. And I see a lot of them.

The whole issue of her religion and what she should believe in is also handled excellently. This is a dynamite script but it would be nowhere without the performers. Everyone puts in a fantastic performance, most especially the lead, Abby Ryder Fortson.

The direction is also crisp and to the point. If I have any issues at all it's that I think the character of the father is under used but I guess this is really Margaret and her mom's story. Which, you know, fair enough.

I hope everyone with a preteen daughter see's this. In a sane country it would be shown in schools but the book it's self is banned in some districts so that's not going to happen. Which really is to our nations shame.

I saw last night felt awkward being one of very few guys in the audience. I didn't know much about the story besides plenty of promotions and I love the cast especially Benny Safdie he's better known as a director he's a Great actor as well. I love Rachel McAdam's she's had a lot of great roles since Mean Girls; all the young cast is magnificent too! There's a lot of charm, great comedy, amazing drama and I didn't expect most of it to be about girl changes; as a guy that's 30 it was a unique experience that stays entertaining throughout. I have 3 sisters and autism so that's always been unique. I loved this movie a lot even though I'm not the target audience it's a pleasant joyful film by great director Kelly Freeman Craig of Edge of Seventeen would highly recommend!