9 March 2003. There is something cynically delightful in this teenage movie - it's much more sophisticated than most juvenile movies. There is a upper-class air of snobbish humor, Ivy-League anti-intellectualism going on here. The ending is much more subdued and is more of a serious, morality tale than some juicy tidbit for ratings and punk sleaze. The lines are good, the intent of this movie is good. Overall, Tadpole was a fun experience about really growing up, a slice of life piece that while not breaking into the top of the quality charts, offers something worthwhile in the way of teenage movies. The producers should be commended for avoiding the easy, cheap plot directions and the box office traps that this movie could easily have become, making this movie one of many just like it. Instead, Tadpole manages to stay above the fray and make a statement about love and relationships. Strangely, it's much more conservative, but refreshingly so in a sophisticated, back door mental way. Seven stars out of ten.
