Watch Kids' Reviews of
RITA

What to know: High school relationships can be awkward, especially between two people who are uncomfortable in their own skin.
RITA is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
Recommended age 12-18
15 minutes
VIDEO
WILL NORDSTROM
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RITA cover image
This live action student film somehow captures the awkwardness of high school and boy/girl relationships.

Rita is about two people trying to get to know one another in the only way they know how and, it's sometimes not wholly truthful. Rita introduces herself under a pseudonym to Erwin, who is a shy boy.

I like the ambiance of the film. The sets are very realistic and the two teen performers certainly have a way of showing the awkwardness of teens. The background music enhances the scenes in an almost nostalgic way. The music at the beginning and end of the film feels like it's from an older time. It is well shot although the audio is a bit weak at times. A lot is invested into the camera work and it pays off. The cinematography is most impressive. It's definitely the best part of this film. There are some scenes I particularly liked such as the one with Erwin talking to himself in front of the mirror, practicing what he will say to Rita. The panning around the house is also very well executed. So is the scene at the beach.

The story is a bit slow paced but sort of has an authenticity to portraying the awkwardness of their relationship. In the beginning, it is difficult to tell where the film is going and the ending has a rather Groundhog Day sense to it. As a student production, I feel quality of the film makes it worth watching and the story certainly initiate some discussion.

The message is that sometimes you must create a new persona in order to get along with others.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 13 to 15. Reviewed by Joshitha B. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! reviewers

This live action student film somehow captures the awkwardness of high school and boy/girl relationships.

Rita is about two people trying to get to know one another in the only way they know how and, it's sometimes not wholly truthful. Rita introduces herself under a pseudonym to Erwin, who is a shy boy.

I like the ambiance of the film. The sets are very realistic and the two teen performers certainly have a way of showing the awkwardness of teens. The background music enhances the scenes in an almost nostalgic way. The music at the beginning and end of the film feels like it's from an older time. It is well shot although the audio is a bit weak at times. A lot is invested into the camera work and it pays off. The cinematography is most impressive. It's definitely the best part of this film. There are some scenes I particularly liked such as the one with Erwin talking to himself in front of the mirror, practicing what he will say to Rita. The panning around the house is also very well executed. So is the scene at the beach.

The story is a bit slow paced but sort of has an authenticity to portraying the awkwardness of their relationship. In the beginning, it is difficult to tell where the film is going and the ending has a rather Groundhog Day sense to it. As a student production, I feel quality of the film makes it worth watching and the story certainly initiate some discussion.

The message is that sometimes you must create a new persona in order to get along with others.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 13 to 15. Reviewed by Joshitha B. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! reviewers

An introverted teenager named Erwin meets Rita, a free spirited actress. Just as their quirky relationship starts to bring him out of his shell, Erwin realizes that Rita is not the person she appears to be.
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