As Cool as I Am

Synopsis

As Cool as I Am is a coming-of-age drama that follows the story of Lucy, a teenage girl navigating the complexities of adolescence and family dynamics in a small town. Portrayed by Sarah Bolger, Lucy struggles with her evolving identity, relationships, and the challenges brought on by her parents' turbulent marriage. The film explores themes of growing independence, emotional vulnerability, and the search for self-understanding through Lucy’s candid perspective. Balancing tender moments with raw realities, the movie provides an intimate look into the uncertainty and confusion that often accompany the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Cast

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  Sarah Bolger

  Lucy Diamond

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  Thomas Mann

  Kenny Crauder

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  James Marsden

  Chuck Diamond

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  Claire Danes

  Lainee Diamond

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  Seth Adkins

  Scott Booker

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  Jeremy Sisto

  Guy Karlsburg

Reviews

As Cool as I Am received mixed to negative reviews from critics, reflecting its uneven execution despite an earnest performance from Sarah Bolger. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a low rating of 14%, indicating generally unfavorable reviews. The critical consensus points out the movie's struggle to effectively balance its serious themes with its coming-of-age narrative, often feeling disjointed or melodramatic. Metacritic assigns a score of 28 out of 100, further underscoring the widespread critical disappointment, with many highlighting the script's lack of depth and the film's pacing issues. IMDb users rate the movie at 5.8/10, suggesting a more divided audience response, with some appreciating the honest and raw portrayal of teenage life while others found the storyline lacking in coherence and emotional impact. Critics from publications noted that while the film attempts to tackle important subjects such as familial dysfunction and adolescent struggles, it often falls short in tonal consistency and character development. However, Sarah Bolger’s portrayal was frequently praised for bringing sincerity and nuance to her role, offering a glimpse of authenticity amidst the film’s flaws. Overall, As Cool as I Am is regarded as a flawed but occasionally poignant depiction of youth caught between innocence and experience.