User Score
8.9 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 44
  2. Negative: 3 out of 44

Review this movie

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  1. DanielD.
    Sep 19, 2002
    9
    Very good very funny I really loved it. I can't wait to see it again :)
  2. AntoaniP.
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    I love this movie, remembers me to a good friend of mine, I hope Blockbuster have this movie 'cause I gotta buy it. You wouldn't catch me crying if I got to leave. I'd smile and wave goodbye.
  3. MR.
    Sep 9, 2007
    9
    Great portayal of growing up in small town Cape Breton.
  4. PatriciaF.
    Oct 9, 2001
    9
    Very realistic portrayal of growing up in a small town. Darkly funny, witty.
  5. KristieH.
    Feb 18, 2002
    10
    I thought it was really great, a real funny movie about living in a small town in Canada which I know too much about.
  6. JeffA.
    Feb 10, 2003
    10
    I think Liane Balaban is one of the most alluringly beautiful actresses I've ever seen. Her performance as an intelligent young woman, stuck in a gloomy locale, is a condition many people can identify with. The fact that she is liberated from the doldrums of both Waterford and her restictive upbringing by an equally beautiful & quirky young woman is cool & subtly suggestive . New Waterford Girl challenges conventions and breaks the stereotypical "chick-flick" mold. It's just a really cool movie. Expand
  7. underwaterpineapple
    Mar 1, 2003
    10
    I love it, amazing cinematography and direction.
  8. ChadS.
    Aug 17, 2004
    8
    The small-town Irish get really peeved if they're portrayed as eccentric simpletons as they were in films like "Waking Ned Devine" and "An Everlasting Piece". Nova Scotians get the cute treatment as "New Waterford Girl" opens with Moonie (Liane Balaban)'s attendance of a wedding/funeral combo, she explains in voiceover, as a way of cutting costs. Another collective quirk is the customized belief of Catholic fundamentalism that the guilty will fall if punched by Lou (Tara Spencer-Nairn), Moonie's friend, who avenges the scorned girlfriends of Waterford. But Moonie's belligerence of her austere surroundings is miraculously smug-free because she believes in the same Waterford superstitions, and part of the film's design to neuroticize rural folks. As a lolita, a high-jumper, or just a fifteen-year-old girl with eyes that see beyond the clothesline, Liane Balaban makes you forget Natalie Portman, after you notice her resemblance. In the film's best moment, Mooney comes home to witness the odd sight of her father baking a cake. Without overstatement, the demonstration of an unrealized dream tells us that Mooney receives the father's blessing to go after her bliss. "New Waterford Girl" is a discovery waiting to happen for the adventurous renter. Expand
  9. DavidL.
    Feb 24, 2005
    10
    A most enjoyable and funny film. Really good acting by the new young stars and Nicolas Campbell too. It was refreshing to watch.
  10. garrettf.
    Feb 3, 2005
    9
    Good movie.
  11. Kevin
    Dec 7, 2002
    8
    Excellent movie-hit home to a small town boy.
  12. MarcelG.
    Feb 20, 2002
    10
    This is the kind of movie I love. No formula in sight. Quirky, a little strange, and very clever. When I was a kid, "Canadian Made" on a movie seemed to be a euphimism for awful. Well--no longer! This Canadian made movie involves fabulous originality, fairly unknown actors belting out fabulous performances, and the whole lot just not taking themselves too seriously. Marvellous. Just try that Mr. overmolded, overprocessed, Hollywood formula guys. Cheers, M. Expand
  13. AlexanderG.
    Jun 1, 2002
    10
    The cast is really good. If you take a look at the little details. You see, that its making the communication to the viewer outstanding. The whole atmosphere is so real. Some of the greatest movies I ever seen.
  14. LoreleiB.
    Apr 25, 2003
    10
    If there was I would give it an 11. What else can I say but I never want to see another movie? I'm still appalled. Oh my goodness.
  15. LibraS.
    Nov 23, 2004
    10
    Perfect 10.. I had to watch this movie in English class and although it took us almost 3 days to watch i find that for a CANADIAN movie it was well Done. Congrats to the Cast.
  16. SteveG.
    Feb 15, 2004
    9
    I was impressed by this movie because it had a mood all to its own. Being a teen-aged Atlantic Canadian myself, I had great deal of empathy with the characters. Balaban was amazing and I wouldn't have been as interested in the film if it wasn't for that one actress who could make it all happen. Good show...
  17. JonH
    Feb 11, 2005
    5
    Starts off pretty good but then I just started ... just not liking it I guess, Balaban here is quite good but the movie is uneven to me.
  18. ashleys.
    Jun 10, 2005
    10
    I really enjoyed watching this movie. It was funny and it had me intrested in who these people really were . I'd watch it again.
  19. EdG.
    Jan 16, 2006
    8
    Growing up on the ocean as a "Beach Townie ", as I did, I was drawn to this story. It was as if I relived a significant portion of my life, if for only a few moments. A grand flick!
  20. Margaret
    Aug 22, 2006
    10
    my favourite movie. so real, so funny.
  21. PhilipB.
    Sep 25, 2006
    10
    Having been raised in an Irish Catholic community near the ocean, this movie rang true in depicting the culture as I experienced it. The music, the views of the older people, and the desperate desire of some young people, such as I once was, to experience the larger world, while others will remain in the community forever. My children are growing up in a a different place, in a different state, and a different world. This recreates so much of what once was for them and, at the same time, is a warm, funny, affectionate, and smart view of female adolescence and the ways of my people in small communities. I don't believe the view is too cute, but instead portrays the charm, wit, superstitions, love of music, and the bizarre mix of ignorance and intelligence that was part of my growing up. Expand
  22. JohnM.
    May 31, 2001
    3
    I know a lot of people who think this is a great film. I can't imagine why. I thought it was jaw-droppingly awful, as did a few acquaintances. For a film with a similar feel which is a far superior piece of entertainment, I highly recommend "Margaret's Museum." It is also set on Cape Breton Island and has a very nice performance by Helena Bonham Carter.
  23. SuzanneH.
    Feb 13, 2003
    10
    Amazing movie and great acting!! Congrats Cassie MacDonald!!
  24. JodiS.
    Oct 26, 2005
    10
    I really enjoyed this movie, it was hilarious and I would watch it again for sure!
  25. kenc.
    Apr 24, 2005
    8
    An around good movie a must see.
  26. SueG.
    Apr 26, 2007
    10
    I love this movie...and watch every time it's on cable.Does anyone know where I can find the soundtrack...I really enjoyed the music.
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Balaban's superb performance blends with Moyle's mostly understated directing to produce an uneven but sometimes enchanting comedy-drama.
  2. 90
    A tender and hilarious vision of female adolescence.
  3. 60
    Balaban and Nairn are radiant, with none of the mannerisms that so often make Hollywood actresses look like Stepford teens.