Confessions of an American Girl (2002)

A pregnant, idealistic teen (Jena Malone, Saved!) finds that her chaotic trailer-park existence conflicts with her dreams of having the perfect family in this quirky dark comedy. After being rejected by her jerk boyfriend (Erik von Detten), Rena Grubb (Malone) looks for a way out of her turbulent teenage existence. Pinning all her hopes on her dad (Chris Mulkey) ? who was sent up the river for murder seven years ago ? Rena convinces her mom (Michelle Forbes) to drag the whole family to the annual prison picnic. Here, against a backdrop of sack races, barbed wire and conjugal trailers, Rena finally comes to terms with her inmate father and her dreams for the future.

misses the mark

"An American Girl" tries to be amusing in an off-hand way about tragedy: teen-age pregnancy, suicide, sexual molestation, low self-esteem and family abuse. It's a complete package in its misfiring: poorly written, badly acted and amateurishly directed. It wasn't as good as a thrown-together t.v. movie. July 2, 2008

Jena Malone Fans Could Enjoy

I like Jena Malone, and she does a good job acting in this movie. She struggles to find purpose in her world where her father is missing in her life, and she's pregnant. Her father is not dead but in jail, and he appears not very likable in this movie. So you feel sad for Jena. It seems her only ally is her brother, who I didn't like. I think it's because he's played by Brad Renfro, who was in Ghostworld. He just seems like a doofus. I think Jena's sister is Alicia Witt who didn't portray a likable character either. I think Jena's whole family has troubles, and it is an honest portrayal of what happens when the father is an inmate. February 9, 2008

Surprisingly good film

I've been a fan of Jena Malone since she started acting. I wasn't expecting too much of this film, I didn't even see it make a theatrical release anywhere near hear but I bought it because she's in it and the majority of her movies are well worth watching. We were surprised. I and my 75 year old mom watched this together and completely enjoyed it. Well done, well acted, well written. It's dark. It's funny. It'll make you think. Highly recommended. June 12, 2007

A wonderful indie flick.

Dysfunctional, Open-Minded, and down right humorous describes "Confessions of an American Girl". Jena Malone (Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys, Stepmom) shines in this film, just like she always does. Two things that will always go together are Jena Malone & an Indie/Black Comedy. But I'll have to admit some of the best acting in this film was that of Brad Renfro (The Client). He plays a 'closet' homosexual, and the obvious reason he hides it is because of his "tough as nails" prison father.

A lot of the characters in this film are like a lot of people you know & see in real life. And thought most label them as poor, white trash...You discover in "COAG" that they have passionate souls too.

Also, on another note..Clifton Collins, Jr. was one of the best things in this film, and one of the funniest too. So, buy it, rent it..do what you must. It's great! December 8, 2005

Awesome

The story is interesting and the characterare querky. Malone is great. I really enjoyed this different movie. Something that Hollywood couldnt and wouldnt put out. December 2, 2005

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