HCA Gradebook: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret”

Movie: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
Plot: A beloved and best-selling classic comes to the big screen with Lionsgate’s adaptation of Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Starring Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret, this timeless, coming-of-age story has transcended decades and spoken to generations. At 11, Margaret is moving to a new town and beginning to contemplate everything about life, friendship, and adolescence. She relies on her mother (McAdams), who offers loving support but is herself finding her own footing in a new place, and her grandmother Sylvia (Bates), who is coming to terms with finding happiness in the next phase of her life. For all three, questions of identity, one’s place in the world, and what brings meaning to a life will draw them closer together than ever before.
Cast: Rachel McAdams, Abby Ryder Fortson, Elle Graham, Benny Safdie, and Kathy Bates.
Director: Kelly Fremon Craig
Release Date: April 28, 2023
Studio: Lionsgate Pictures
Number of Graders: 20
Overall Grade: A

Caillou Pettis says, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret proves Kelly Fremon Craig isn’t a one-trick pony. It’s a beautifully uplifting, inspiring, emotionally charged, hilarious, and wholesome injection of pure comfort in cinematic form.”
Grade: A+

Shadan Larki says, “I wish so desperately that this movie was available to me when I was twelve. A sweet, well-crafted adaptation of Judy Blume’s work that perfectly honors the spirit of the novel and the joys and terrors of girlhood. Abby Ryder Fortson and Rachel McAdams are a fabulous mother-daughter duo, delivering a timeless coming-of-age story enjoyable to everyone.”
Grade: A+

Monica Gleberman says, “This film is nostalgic in all of the right places, transporting you to a time of simplicity and struggle. We all had “those” painful years of growing up. We all want to be adults…until we are adults. Unfortunately, there isn’t a ‘how to handle life’ handbook but, for a time when we were younger Judy Blume (the author of this adaptation) was the women who helped you grow up a little at a time, book by book. The film is a wonderful adaptation and is able to balance issues such as religion, aging, money, being an outsider, and more — in a way that is simple and sweet. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is the perfect movie at the perfect time. It’s a miracle!”
Grade: A+

Clarence Moye says, “A minor cinematic miracle. A beautiful love letter to not only Judy Blume’s original source material but to the very era itself. Inclusive and uplifting, this is enchanting, character-driven filmmaking at its very best. Looking forward to watching this with my daughter again very soon.”
Grade: A

Nikki Fowler says, “If you were going to make a movie based on a novel from one of the most influential writers of our time who inspired self-love and self-care in every word she wrote and who was banned for her ferocious girl power, this would be it. ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret‘ was a feel good film that hits all the marks on what Judy Blume’s work meant to so many fans. Kathy Bates was hilarious and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon was a perfect fit to take on this beloved novel. You will want to read Blume’s work all over again.”
Grade: A

Ricky Valero says, “Are You There God Its Me Margaret is one of the most vital pieces of filmmaking that this generation and future generations should watch. Abby Ryder Fortson is perfect as Margaret. Kelly Freemon Craig knew how important this story was and delivered—one of the year’s best movies.”
Grade: A

Zoë Rose Bryant says, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is simply such a magical movie. As hysterical as it is heartwarming, endlessly empathetic, and refreshingly real about all the emotions and experiences of adolescence. Abby Ryder Fortson is an absolute star, and Rachel McAdams is mother (literally). It’s a gift to girls everywhere and I’m so happy future generations will have this to guide them through the mess that is middle school.”
Grade: A

Michael Lee says, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret‘ is a terrific and funny adaptation of a timeless coming-of-age classic. Though specific at times, it’s honest about the rites-of-passage, and bestowing wisdom in finding your identity, friendships, and the mother daughter relationship.”
Grade: A

Greg Russell says, “This is a very entertaining movie. It’s a funny and touching coming of age film. Margaret and her friends want to grow up sooner rather than later. There are many parts in this movie that both women and men can identify with. The awkwardness of junior high. It’s also very touching as Margaret does her best to help her family heal old family wounds. This is truly a winner.”
Grade: A

Scott Menzel says, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is a delightful coming-of-age story that tackles growing up in such an authentic way. The film’s exploration of sexuality and religion, which is told through the eyes of an 11 year girl, makes this film stand out from other films in this genre. Filled to the brim with humor, honesty and plenty of heart, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is Kelly Fremon Craig’s best film yet and features a career launching performance from Abby Ryder Fortson. On top of all that, Rachel McAdams proves once again why she’s such a terrific actress and can play any character with such ease. Don’t miss out on one of the finest films of 2023 so far.”
Grade: A 

Nate Adams says, “Judy Blume is one of our most storied authors, whose work spans several generations. Having netted various industry awards and toppled hundreds of bestsellers lists, Blume, who is now 85, has cemented an iconic legacy that ensures her books will remain timeless. And despite a few cinematic adaptations through the years, one book in particular has been closely guarded: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. The coming-of-age-novel that, like many of Blume’s works, deals with sensitive and mature topics like puberty and sex education, but that’s what also made them relatable. I promise you can be any age or gender to enjoy this smart, winning, and incredibly wholesome cinematic adaptation of this beloved novel. And as someone who never went through female puberty (I did, however, grow up with three sisters) nor read the book, it never hindered my enjoyment. I was smiling the entire time and maybe even shed a tear.”
Grade: A-

Alexander Robinson says, “It says something about a movie that it can have an appeal beyond its target audience. Much like Kelly Fremon Craig’s previous directorial effort, The Edge of Seventeen, this movie proves to be a fantastic coming of age movie. While the film (and book) is geared more for pre-teen girls, it has a lot to say about subject matters that anyone can identify with from their childhood. These include adjusting to a new home, transitioning from a child to an adult, and figuring out if you are a religious person or not. The entire cast is fantastic with Abby Ryder Fortson as someone who has a bright career ahead of her.”
Grade: A-

Zachary Pope says, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is the definition of delightful & charming! Kelly Fremon Craig crafts the essence of 6th grade, puberty, & awkwardness all into one! BUT MY GOD Abby Ryder Fortson is a triumph & will become your new favorite star! Loved this film!”
Grade: A-

Nicholas Spake says, “Even if you haven’t read the book, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is a title you’ve surely heard of. It’s perhaps Judy Blume’s most famous work, launching the author to another level of popularity after it was published in 1970. Having been in print for more than fifty years, you’d think that the book would’ve been adapted into a film by now. Then again, this material is trickier to translate than some may assume. Margaret might be a middle-grade novel, but that doesn’t mean it’s a simple novel. Exploring puberty, religion, peer pressure, and the search for identity, Blume understood how difficult being 11 is. Writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig unearths the same authenticity with warmth, humor, and brutal honesty.”
Grade: A-

Kolby Mac says, “Summer Camp, School days, secret clubs, parties in the basement, boys, girls , and puberty. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is everything you could want from a coming of age movie. Sweet, endearing performances backed by a solid story make for a great throwback to the idyllic times of growing up in yesteryear.”
Grade: A-

Rick Bentley says, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is one of the sweetest and most endearing coming-of-age films to be released in the past decade. Because it shows such deep respect for Judy Bloom’s work, it is a fitting adaptation of a well-loved novel.”
Grade: B+

Matt Neglia says, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is another delightful coming-of-age film from The Edge Of Seventeen Director/Writer, Kelly Fremon Craig. So funny and sweet with pitch-perfect performances from Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, really everyone! Its invaluable lessons on womanhood & religion will be passed down & cherished for generations.”
Grade: B+

Aaron Neuwirth says, “This film is quite funny, with a good amount of care given to the heavier topics, such as the struggles Margaret has in connecting to religion, given how it’s affected her parents. It’s a winning film all around, easily serving as something its target audience should see and enjoy.”
Grade: B

Abbie Bernstein says, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret has good messages for young people about weathering life’s early crises. It’s also enjoyable and smart enough to be watchable for grownups who still don’t feel too old for this sort of thing, provided it’s done right.”
Grade: B

Nancy Tapia says, “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret is great film for preteens. As an adult it’s about reminiscing that time of new and changes. Wishing there had been a film like this before.”Grade: B