This coming-of-age drama might trade in familiar narrative developments, but its characterization is rather nuanced.

Simplistic plotting, pedestrian visuals and poorly-handled melodrama do lend the project a cheap, made-for-TV feel, which is underscored by the fact that Danes and Marsden don't seem obliged to turn in their best work.

Oh no: Claire Danes as the mom? Already? What's next, Chelsea Clinton for president?

The familiarity of the narrative - the movie does, after all, include such coming-of-age touchstones as first love and irresponsible parents - grows more and more problematic as time progresses...