(1996)
2
Andrea LeVasseur
Whereas Joyce Carol Oats' source novel reflected the working-class sensibilities of tough '50s rebels, director Annette Haywood-Carter's film version is a '90s melodrama about pretty suburban victims. This adaptation choice drives the story in a predictable direction, suffering from stereotyped characters and forced dialogue. The supposed female bonding moments quickly fall into exploitation territory as the girls decide to take off their shirts and tattoo their breasts. However, Angelina Jolie is stunning as Legs Sadovsky, stealing the show with her screen presence and introducing the lesbian undertones. All attitude and style, Legs becomes the movie-friendly version of what a tough girl should be. While it is commendable that she helps the other girls fight back against the sexualized violence in the film, the payback plot feels contrived. A story of real unleashed rage this is not, but rather a sleek Hollywood fantasy of pseudo "girl power" with a modern rock soundtrack. Mindless fun for a few action scenes, Foxfire is recommended for fans of Angelina Jolie only.
Foxfire on AllMovie
Foxfire (1996)
