As Cool as I Am Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lumberjack’s daughter figures out her mom is cooler than him, leading to teenage angst, kitchen experiments, and questionable life choices, all while Mario Batali judges from afar.

🍿 As Cool as I Am: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Lucy and Her Family

Sixteen-year-old Lucy Diamond lives in a small town with her parents, Lainee and Chuck, who had her when they were teenagers. Chuck works as a lumberjack and is frequently away, creating a unique family dynamic. Lucy has a close relationship with her best friend, Kenny, and is beginning to explore her sexuality.

Growing Awareness and Relationship Dynamics

As Lucy navigates her teenage years, she becomes increasingly aware of the instability in her parents’ marriage. She notices her mother’s flirtatious behavior and her father’s extended absences. Lucy begins a relationship with Kenny, but also experiences the complexities of teenage relationships and social pressures.

Challenges and Confrontations

The film delves into several challenges Lucy faces, including navigating consent and dealing with her parents’ flawed decisions. There’s a significant event where Lucy feels violated, leading to further complications in her relationships. Chuck’s return home brings tension and confrontations, highlighting the family’s dysfunction.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lucy Diamond (Sarah Bolger): A smart and resourceful sixteen-year-old girl navigating adolescence with her immature and often absent parents.
• Chuck Diamond (James Marsden): Lucy’s well-meaning but emotionally stunted father who works as a lumberjack and struggles with the responsibilities of parenthood.
• Lainee Diamond (Claire Danes): Lucy’s young and irresponsible mother, grappling with her own identity while struggling to be a present parent.
• Kenny Crauder (Thomas Mann): Lucy’s supportive and pragmatic best friend since childhood, who navigates a complicated relationship with her as they grow up.
• Scott Booker (Seth Adkins): The teenager who engages in non-consensual behaviour with Lucy at a party.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lucy Diamond: “Everybody has two families. The stable family we pretend to have. Then there’s the real people we are related to.” – Lucy’s opening narration introduces the theme of comparing idealized families with the realities of her own.
• Lainee Diamond: “If I can’t get a ride in this outfit, I deserve to walk.” – Lainee says this to Lucy when giving her the car for the day.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $3,234
• Worldwide Gross: $3,234

💥 As Cool as I Am Reviews

Personal Review

I watched ‘As Cool as I Am’ expecting a lighthearted comedy but was surprised by its depth. Lucy’s journey of self-discovery really resonated with me. I especially loved the kitchen scene with Peter Fonda. I was left feeling hopeful for her future, despite the family chaos.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in films about complex family relationships”
  • “Those who enjoy movies with strong female leads”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Teenage sex”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief instances of violence”
  • “Discussions of consent”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “While Bolger delivers a compelling performance, the film suffers from a lack of focus, juggling too many storylines without fully exploring any. The messy narrative and unresolved plot threads ultimately detract from the coming-of-age experience.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Though competently acted, ‘As Cool as I Am’ fails to leave a lasting impression. It tackles some significant themes, the film doesn’t offer a fresh perspective, making it a rather forgettable addition to the genre.

Audience Reactions

Some audience members loved the movie because they felt like they were able to relate to Lucy because the movie showed her for what she really was.: Many viewers admired Sarah Bolger’s performance as Lucy, highlighting her natural talent and ability to connect with the audience, and liked that the film was a coming-of-age drama that was not very gripping, but was relatable and contempory.

Overall Consensus: ‘As Cool as I Am’ is a coming-of-age drama with mixed reviews, praised for Bolger’s performance but criticized for a unfocused narrative and a messy execution.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Pete Fromm.”
• “This was Claire Danes’s first feature film role in five years.”
• “Filming took place in Albuquerque, New Mexico.”

🖥️ How to Watch As Cool as I Am?

As Cool as I Am is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms. You can find it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed As Cool as I Am, you might like these similar films:

• The Kids Are All Right (2010): Deals with unconventional family dynamics and the challenges of parenting when the parents themselves are still figuring things out.
• What Maisie Knew (2012): Focuses on a child navigating the complexities of her parents’ divorce and their subsequent relationships.
• Thirteen (2003): Explores the challenges and difficulties of teenage girls coming of age and exploring their sexuality.

🛒 As Cool as I Am Related Products

• The Complete Pete Fromm Collection: Experience the literary works of Pete Fromm, the author of ‘As Cool as I Am’, with this comprehensive digital collection. Dive deep into his captivating storytelling and explore the full depth of his literary genius.
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• Coming-of-Age Movie Collection: Delve into a curated collection of coming-of-age movies that explore themes of adolescence, identity, and self-discovery. Featuring a wide range of films, this collection offers viewers the chance to experience powerful stories of growth and transformation.
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🎧 Soundtrack

As Cool as I Am features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Unshakable” – performed by Jay Nash

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

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