Ava Cota does a nice job in her first lead role, making Jodi as written come to life. Her emotions rang true and her personality underwent no drastic changes despite a spectacularly unrealistic ending.
Also, I give the film makers credit for doing a high school movie sans jocks and cheerleaders. However, therein also lies a chunk of the false premise the script is built on: that tall girls in 2019 are outcasts.
Since the advent of Title IX in the 1970s, as opportunities for girls to play sports increased and female students were drawn to taking part, height became a desired trait to many at any high school. Basketball -- Jodi does reference people calling her "Lebron" but doesn't seem to be on the Ruby Bridges High team -- volleyball, swimming, track and field all prize height at certain positions or events. As girls and boys grow up together watching each other in sports, there is nothing "freakish" about a 6-1 or 6-2 girl.
My late wife (high school class of '82) was 6-1, our daughter (class of '12) 6-feet even. Neither took any crap for their height. Both played basketball. but I think their acceptance came more from being part of a team which also featured other tall girls than the fact they were both pretty good.
I realize not all girls, tall or short, play sports, but Jodi's one professed interest -- playing piano -- is said to be something she is suited for because of her wide hands. The current reduction -- I would never say elimination because people at schools all across the country are still bullied for many traits -- in harassment of tall girls is partially a product of many taking part in activities where their height is a plus. Tall girls who are "ordinary students" aren't automatically thought of as freaks if those who do play sports or model or whatever all else fields are now more open to tall women are not.
Also, I give the film makers credit for doing a high school movie sans jocks and cheerleaders. However, therein also lies a chunk of the false premise the script is built on: that tall girls in 2019 are outcasts.
Since the advent of Title IX in the 1970s, as opportunities for girls to play sports increased and female students were drawn to taking part, height became a desired trait to many at any high school. Basketball -- Jodi does reference people calling her "Lebron" but doesn't seem to be on the Ruby Bridges High team -- volleyball, swimming, track and field all prize height at certain positions or events. As girls and boys grow up together watching each other in sports, there is nothing "freakish" about a 6-1 or 6-2 girl.
My late wife (high school class of '82) was 6-1, our daughter (class of '12) 6-feet even. Neither took any crap for their height. Both played basketball. but I think their acceptance came more from being part of a team which also featured other tall girls than the fact they were both pretty good.
I realize not all girls, tall or short, play sports, but Jodi's one professed interest -- playing piano -- is said to be something she is suited for because of her wide hands. The current reduction -- I would never say elimination because people at schools all across the country are still bullied for many traits -- in harassment of tall girls is partially a product of many taking part in activities where their height is a plus. Tall girls who are "ordinary students" aren't automatically thought of as freaks if those who do play sports or model or whatever all else fields are now more open to tall women are not.