The film offers us the unique opportunity to see how each character perceives the other over the course of time. Bryce, played by Callan McAuliffe, is initially put off by Juli’s (Madeline Carroll) persistent attempts to befriend him, only to later find himself falling for her charms. But, as he soon discovers, Juli is not just another attention-seeking little girl. She’s intelligent, curious, kind-hearted, and brave.
Juli’s unusual personality and unique perspective on life shines through in every scene she’s in. For one thing, she has a love for trees that leads her to climb any tree she can find. One of the key moments in the movie is when Bryce finally sees things from Juli’s point of view and takes her to see a sycamore tree that is being threatened with destruction by a developer.
While Juli has her quirks, so does Bryce. He’s the typical teenage heartthrob that all the girls have eyes for, but he doesn’t quite know how to handle his newfound popularity. We see him struggle with his grandmother’s (played by the legendary actress Penelope Ann Miller) expectations of him, and we also see how his father’s infidelity affects his family dynamic. Bryce’s journey to maturity and acceptance is just as important as Juli’s.
One of the most attractive aspects of this film is that it seems to capture the essence of what it’s like to be a kid. We see a lot of scenes with Bryce and Juli interacting with their families, whether it’s Juli’s dad grilling steaks while the family plays games in the back yard or Bryce’s parents cooking breakfast for their kids in the morning. We also see the kids at school, the dynamics between them, and the way they navigate different social situations.
But Flipped is also a story about growing up and the inevitability of change. The characters develop and mature, just as we all do as we navigate through life. This is a movie about how we change over time and how our relationships evolve along with us.
The film was made in 2010, but it feels like it could have been made in any decade. It’s a movie that transcends time and place, and tells a story that is universal. It may take place in suburban America in the middle of the last century, but at its heart it’s a story about people and their relationships.
In the end, the film captures the fragile balance between innocence, nostalgia, and the complexities of adult life. It’s a movie that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, but also a little sad, as you look back on your own childhood and remember the people, places, and moments that shaped you into the person you are today.
Overall, Flipped is a must-see movie for anyone who loves a good coming-of-age film or a good romance. It’s a movie that will leave you feeling inspired, moved, and grateful for the people in your life that have helped you grow and mature over the years.