I went to a screening of the new film, “The Art of Getting By” on Tuesday night. It was my first time to the Archlight Cinemas in Hollywood. Very cool place. Would love to go back.

This is the strictest screening I have gone to. They took my phone, put it in a ziplock and gave me a ticket to get it on the way out. I was also wanded with a metal detector. Even when I went to the premiere of “Something Borrowed” I was able to keep my phone. And this just happened to be the one day I did not throw a magazine or a book in my purse.

They gave us a free popcorn and a drink, so since I had nothing else to do I pretty much ate and drank all of it before the movie started. And people watching is hard to do in a theater because everyone is facing the other direction. The only thing I could do was eavesdrop. Nothing too exciting though.

I was really looking forward to this film.I really enjoy Freddie Highmore. I see him as the male Dakota Fanning. And Emma Roberts is decent. I liked her “Nancy Drew” and  “It’s Kind of a Funny Story,” but she does annoy me in interviews.

Unfortunately, at the end of the movie I was left dissatisfied. Which is hard to do. For the most part I am a very easy-going movie viewer. Many time what the critics hate I like. But this is one agree with them. Rotten Tomatoes is at  20%.

Throughout the film I felt like the characters were very shallow. No depth to them at all. Even where they tried to make Highmore’s character, George Zinavoy, a moody artist with family issues, it didn’t work.

The transitions between scenes were horrible. And there were numerous times that the background music distracted the scene. The music was good, but they were placed in the wrong parts.

Emma Roberts was probably the biggest disappointment. And it is probably not all her fault. I just did not enjoy her character and how she developed. In the beginning you begin to like her because she is befriending George, who does not have any friends. But as the plot moves on, and it is obvious George likes her, she continues to lead him on. I began to really despise her. And at the end, I didn’t want them to get together. It could just be me, but who knows.

A few other people who I felt fell flat as well. One was Rita Wilson, as George’s mom. I don’t think I have ever really been a fan of her work. She has never been really believable to me. Even in one of my favorites “Now and Then.” The other was Alicia Silverstone as one of George’s teachers. Silverstone may partly be my fault. It is hard for me to see beyond Clueless and Aerosmith music videos.

There were a few people though, that shined a little light in the film. They were some of  the smaller players: Michael Angarano, George’s art mentor, Blair Underwood, the school principal, Elizabeth Reaser, Sally’s mom, and Jarlath Conroy, George’s art teacher.

I would leave this for a rental if you are really wanting to see it. Save your money and go see Super 8 or Bridesmaids.

If you do see it, let me know what you think in the comments.

Until next time…PEACE OUT!