How to Deal Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cynical teen juggles divorced parents, a pregnant friend, and questionable romance all while trying to avoid getting emotionally invested, only to realize investing is unavoidable when the universe throws everything it has at you.

🍿 How to Deal: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Halley’s Disillusionment with Love

Halley Martin, a high school student, is surrounded by what she perceives as dysfunctional relationships. Her parents’ divorce, her father’s new, younger girlfriend, and her sister’s stressful wedding planning all contribute to her cynical view of love. She sees love as shallow and unattainable, impacting her perspective on relationships.

Tragedy and New Connections

A tragic event, the sudden death of her best friend Scarlett’s boyfriend, shakes Halley’s world. This event leads her to Macon, a friend of the deceased. Through shared grief and unusual circumstances, Halley begins to question her beliefs about love. Their connection forms amidst loss and challenges the idea that love is impossible.

Navigating Family Drama

Throughout the film, Halley deals with her family’s issues. Her sister’s wedding is fraught with tension, her father’s new relationship is unsettling, and her mother’s loneliness is palpable. This familial drama serves as a backdrop to Halley’s personal journey, emphasizing the complexities of relationships.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Halley Martin (Mandy Moore): A cynical high school student who questions the existence of true love due to the dysfunctional relationships around her.
• Macon Forrester (Trent Ford): A classmate who challenges Halley’s cynicism and shows her the possibility of finding love.
• Lydia Martin (Allison Janney): Halley’s divorced mother, struggling to find her own path after her marriage falls apart.
• Len Martin (Dylan Baker): Halley’s father, a radio DJ whose divorce and new relationship contribute to Halley’s disillusionment.
• Scarlett Smith (Alexandra Holden): Halley’s best friend, whose unplanned pregnancy forces Halley to confront her views on relationships and responsibility.
• Ashley Martin (Mary Catherine Garrison): Halley’s sister, whose wedding plans and relationship struggles mirror Halley’s anxieties about love and commitment.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Halley: “Some people fall in love. I had to crash into it.” – Halley reflects on her unexpected and somewhat chaotic entry into a relationship with Macon.
• Halley: “I’m so not the girl who has this figured out.” – Halley expresses her confusion and lack of direction amidst the tumultuous events in her life.
• Macon: “You’re exactly the kind of screwed up I’ve been looking for.” – Macon confesses to Halley in a somewhat awkwardly charming way.
• Macon: “When are you going to get over being pissed off at love?” – Macon challenges Halley to reconsider her cynical view of love and relationships.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $14,195,227
• Worldwide Gross: $14,390,329

💥 How to Deal Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie in high school and feeling like it *got* me. Halley’s cynicism was relatable, and the way she navigated all the drama felt so real. I especially loved the scenes with her grandma – they added a touch of humor to an otherwise heavy movie. The car crash scene was intense, and I was surprised that everyone was alright. It made me realize that even in the midst of chaos, there’s always hope for something good.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Mandy Moore”
  • “Viewers interested in teen dramas”
  • “Audiences who enjoy stories about overcoming cynicism”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Teen pregnancy”
  • “Death of a loved one”
  • “Brief sexual content”
  • “Drug use (pot smoking grandmother)”
  • “Language”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “While not a masterpiece, ‘How to Deal’ offers a surprisingly thoughtful take on teen issues. It might try to cram too much in, but Mandy Moore shines, delivering a believable and engaging performance. Janney adds depth, elevating what could have been a generic teen drama.
• Variety Film + TV: “‘How to Deal’ tackles serious issues with a touch of humor, making it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a teen drama with substance. While it does feel somewhat disjointed at times, the performances elevate the material.
• ScreenRant: “Though some scenes lack originality, the movie is good. It is not the usual romantic comedy. The movie has seriousness and addresses important parts. This movie’s literary roots will guarantee that the sequel will be better than the original.

Audience Reactions

Viewers appreciated that the film attempted to tackle realistic teen issues, like divorce and unplanned pregnancy, even if the execution was sometimes flawed.: Many viewers found Mandy Moore’s performance to be a highlight, praising her ability to portray Halley’s cynicism and vulnerability.

Overall Consensus: ‘How to Deal’ is a mixed bag, with some finding it a relatable and insightful teen drama, while others criticize its overcrowded plot and predictable storyline. Mandy Moore’s performance is generally well-received.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on a combination of two Sarah Dessen novels: ‘Someone Like You’ and ‘That Summer’.”
• “Mandy Moore’s character, Halley, is named after her grandmother in the film, played by Nina Foch.”
• “Many scenes were filmed at Birchmount Collegiate Institute in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.”

🖥️ How to Watch How to Deal?

How to Deal is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability and DVD purchase options. Consider supporting the film by renting or buying through these affiliate links.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed How to Deal, you might like these similar films:

• A Walk to Remember (2002): Both films star Mandy Moore in coming-of-age stories dealing with love, loss, and personal growth.
• Crazy/Beautiful (2001): Deals with teenage issues of love and complicated family situations.
• The Fault in Our Stars (2014): Explores themes of love, loss, and coming of age in the face of difficult circumstances, resonating with a similar emotional depth.
• Sixteen Candles (1984): A classic teen movie exploring themes of teenage angst, romance, and the challenges of growing up.

🛒 How to Deal Related Products

• Sarah Dessen 2-Book Bundle: Someone Like You & That Summer: Delve into the novels that inspired the film with this special bundle. Experience the raw emotion and compelling storytelling that made Sarah Dessen a beloved author for teens.
• Mandy Moore – A Walk to Remember (DVD): Experience another hit Mandy Moore film with this romantic drama. This beloved movie is sure to pull at your heartstrings. This film showcases Mandy Moore’s incredible acting talent and compelling on-screen presence.
• Mandy Moore – So Real (CD): Relive the late 90s/early 2000s teen pop scene with Mandy Moore’s debut album! A nostalgic trip for fans who grew up with her music. Featuring hit singles like ‘Candy’.
• Official How To Deal Movie Poster: High-quality print featuring the original movie artwork. Perfect for decorating a teen’s bedroom or a movie enthusiast’s collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

How to Deal features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Can We Still Be Friends” – performed by Mandy Moore
• “Do You Realize??” – performed by The Flaming Lips
• “Billy S.” – performed by Skye Sweetnam

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Call Me By Your Name | Movie Review & Analysis

Ever wondered what makes ‘Call Me By Your Name’ so captivating? This review breaks down the film’s beautiful story and deeper meanings – I personally found it really insightful!

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