This interesting short, written, produced and directed by Nanci Gaglio, is about a girl who has to make important decisions through life and how the decisions she makes impact her life. The cinematography looks like a well made home movie because of the camera work and lighting. The background noises are at times distracting. This video feels like a downer because it only shows the bad side of life, although it does teach you some things - don't talk with strangers and don't shoplift. This is not my favorite film. I rate this short 2 out of 5 stars because the story about the girl's life makes you feel like your life could be like that and then, you could be a little scared. I recommend this short to 12 to 18-year-olds because it could make a younger child think they will live a life like the girl in the film. It could make them afraid or worried. There is a message here that an older person could teach a younger sibling or friend to make wise decisions if they find themselves in a scenario like the girl in the film finds herself in. Reviewed by Mia A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11.
Edge of 12 is a nice short about the unfortunate events that can occur in the life of a preteen. Although this short focuses on preteen girls, you must believe these events can happen to males as well. This short explores what it means to be peer pressured and the consequences that follow bad decisions. The main character is pressured into stealing a dress and gets in trouble with her mother because it. There is a scene where the girl gives her last bit of money to a homeless woman for a cup of coffee. You can see the pride in her eyes as she sees her kindness pay off. The story ends with a man approaching the girl to get her help "finding his dog." She runs away from the situation and later hears about another girl getting kidnapped and is able to lead the police to the man that beckoned her.
The music in this short is well done and rather quirky, which makes for a delightful ambiance in this serious message. I believe that this is a short that young kids could benefit from as it serves as a great, but light warning for multiple situations that are more common than we'd like to believe. The only complaint I have is the scene in which the girl encounters the kidnapper. It could have been better outlined. I feel that it is, by far, the most important scene and yet, it is not as impactful as I had hoped, due to some ambiguity. This short is definitely suitable for ages 9 to 15 and I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
What are the typical decisions facing a 12-year-old suburban girl? And what are their consequences?
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