Having read the book previously, I was very much anticipating the release of the film adaptation, which did not disappoint. Erica Yurken, the snooty outcast, no friends and a family which could be called at least "kooky". Erica dreams of being an actress and escaping the dysfunctional public school in which she attends and always lying to make her life seem better. We've all been there, that wish to be something more than we are. Erica is a perfect protagonist conveying a young girl refusing to fit in and trying to be someone she is not. This reputation is put to a challenge when Alison Ashley, conveying the perfect girl and student. She's wealthy, pretty and smart, but as we can see in this film, everything is not so perfect in her life either. This film is a perfect presentation of adolescence, the need to belong and the need to be more then who you are. Being a fellow Delta Goodrem fan, I can be honest that I was biased in her acting and couldn't see any problem with her acting out the role of Alison Ashley. Highlights, the characters were portrayed brilliantly. In particular bad boy Barry Hollis and teacher Miss Belmont, the constant bickering of these two was enough to keep the film together. They kept to the book in a sizable amount and were still able to convey the deeper meanings. Lowlights, Erica came off as the lying snob, and wasn't half as funny as she was in the books, so instead of pitying her I just found her embarrassing. Another lowlight was the unbelievable age of the actors playing characters at most 10 years younger, however there performances are enough to erase this issue. The end was left in a good atmosphere, and left things to the imagination with Erica's relationships with her classmates, her family and of course Alison Ashley. All in all, an enjoyable coming of age film, which I enjoyed immensely and class it under my top ten favourite Australian films.
Review of Hating Alison Ashley
