Anywhere But Here

Susan Sarandon has never been more outrageously appealing. Natalie Portman is simply exquisite.

So closely observed, so funny and so true to the junk that is everybody's real--as opposed to movie--life that it comes to feel like some kind of a miracle.

The story is a sort of "Stella Dallas Meets Slums of Beverly Hills," helped by heartfelt acting from its talented stars.

Portman gives a superb, understated performance as a teen who gets whiplash from watching her mother's mood swings.

What's missing from this by-the-numbers drama is a sense of abandon.

The ride in this road movie isn't always as smooth as it could be, but even the bumps have some charm.

Sarandon prostitutes her blazing talent and sharp political sensibility to the service of a pile of misogynistic bullflop.