AllMovie

Jim McKay's second feature highlighting the travails of young women is much like his first film, the low-key New Jersey drama Girls Town, only this effort is more focused, if less subtle. A mostly empathetic look at a trio of young female teenagers growing up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the film lays on its intentions a little too thickly, making it nearly impossible not to be somewhat judgmental toward McKay's representation. But for all the film's flaws, it has a handful of expertly realized scenes of domesticity and a trio of solid performances, especially the marvelously expressive Kerry Washington, whose portrayal is unflinchingly unforced and honest. Additionally, the picture is superbly shot by Jim Denault, whose unerring eye for visual detail is just as accomplished as his admittedly flashier work in films like Nadja and Boys Don't Cry. This film premiered in competition at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival to positive notices, but took over a year to find distribution.