Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

According to Greta Blu-ray Movie Review

A passable coming-of-age movie receives fine Blu-ray treatment from Starz.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman January 4, 2010

I'm just trying to protect you.

Coming-of-age movies are nothing new to the Hollywood scene, and According to Greta is another in the genre's long lineage, a serviceable all-around picture that might find favor with fans of the talent involved but will likely leave other viewers with a nonchalance towards the predictable story arc and generic script but admittedly nicely-developed characters and strong acting. Indeed, According to Greta seems but a vehicle for fan-favorite teen star Hillary Duff (War, Inc.) to stretch her acting limits and preconceived image, but the material's generic tone and prepackaged feel always seem in the way of the actress' attempts at deeper drama and more emotional and even heartfelt situations that inevitably and all-too-predictably come like clockwork. Make no mistake, According to Greta is a solid movie all around, it's just not particularly original or memorable, two strikes that make an otherwise well-made and nicely acted piece the sort that's good enough to watch but hardly worthy of additional consideration.

Greta forgot 'suicide run against a heavily-fortified space station.'

Greta (Duff) is sent to live with her grandparents in Ocean Grove, New Jersey while her mother works out the kinks in her latest marriage. Greta is a girl with a myriad of issues, chief among them a bad attitude and a death wish. She keeps a journal that lists both an assortment of ways to die and a list of things she'd like to do before she removes herself from the worldwide equation. Her rebellious and me-first attitude rubs her grandmother Katherine (Ellen Burstyn, Requiem For a Dream) and her grandfather Joseph (Michael Murphy) the wrong way as they find themselves constantly at odds with Greta's untraditional and disrespectful attitude. When they force her to take a summer job, she finds employment as a waitress and meets a young man named Julie (Evan Ross) with whom she forms a physical and emotional bond. Julie's criminal record and time in a correctional facility have returned him to the straight and narrow; can he get Greta back on track, or will she alienate the only friend she has?

According to Greta's highly generalized and basic three-act structure never once yields even the slightest of surprises, but it makes for a passable film that's not necessarily entertaining but instead partially meaningful and even perhaps enlightening insofar as its glimpse into the cinematically hackneyed but nevertheless important world of teenage angst and rebellion. This is straightforward, by-the-book stuff, the picture playing out with a simple plot that sees the new clash with the old and the rebel with the traditional. For general film fans this comes as nothing new and plays out as far from engaging but, at least as it is told here, it is perhaps relevant to target audiences that might find in Hillary Duff's character a mirror in which they can see themselves and, far more importantly, the picture might resonate with those viewers that see little value in what life has to offer, failing to look past rules and regulations and the confused world of adulthood and instead focus solely on the topsy-turvy here-and-now. According to Greta has seemingly been built for a single target audience, and if the film allows that audience to see beyond their sturdy bubbles and come to realize the world outside isn't necessarily a bad place, then, just maybe, the film has served a greater purpose.

Still, According to Greta is the sort of movie that film connoisseurs will likely, and justifiably, snub, but the picture's problems will likely be overlooked by its intended audience. Hillary Duff does play the rebellious teenager well enough; she convincingly moves beyond her pop star image and displays a somewhat deeper level in what is a more demanding part than a pop princess. She tackles the challenges of a young woman faced with deeply-rooted rebellious streaks that conflict with a budding maturity very well, and her ability to slowly alter her outlook on life through both the sure-handed guidance of her grandparents and, just as important, first-hand experience, allows the film's message of perseverance and self-worth to shine brightly. Additionally, veteran actress Ellen Burstyn once again shows why she's one of Hollywood's finest, delivering a completely seamless performance where she fades into her character, positively becoming Katherine and leaving behind any semblance of previous roles. Otherwise, According to Greta's additional characters -- particularly that of Julie -- are but mere necessary additions through which to maneuver the plot, but they are given suitable performances that might not be of particular note, but neither do they stand out as in any way substandard.

According to Greta Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

This Blu-ray release of According to Greta boasts a wonderful 1080p, 1.85:1-framed transfer. Fine detail is generally exceptional throughout; the rough texture of pavement, Greta's frayed polka dot hat, small cracks and chipped paint around her grandparents' house, and any number of other assorted niceties lend to According to Greta a finely-tuned appearance that sparkles in most every scene. Additionally, the transfer features a good sense of depth, and the image retains its strong clarity and definition both near and far. Though contrast appears slightly boosted, colors are generally pleasing to the eye and not too terribly overblown, and each of the many shades that make up this abundantly colorful film are nicely rendered on Blu-ray. Flesh tones, however, do sometimes take on a reddish appearance, but never to a drastic or otherwise disturbing level. Blacks sometimes appear a slight bit messy and undefined, appearing too bright and unnatural in many darker or nighttime venues. According to Greta does retain a slight layer of grain that completes what is generally a handsome film-like transfer.

According to Greta Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

According to Greta debuts on Blu-ray with a healthy but not particularly engaging Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Satisfactory within the confines of its limited sound design, According to Greta translates nicely enough to Blu-ray with no discernible hiccups but no noteworthy moments, either. Reserved and clear, the track reproduces music, dialogue, and sound effects with acceptable precision. The surround speakers are used sparsely in support of music and light atmospherics. Chirping birds and distant traffic often lend a tinge of realism to the proceedings, but there are no head-turning or over-pumped effects to speak of. Musical presentations are rather bland, lacking in overpowering volume but offering suitable clarity; a few more aggressive beats do flow more noticeably into the back channels. Also featuring sound dialogue reproduction, According to Greta sounds just fine within its limited confines, and listeners expecting nothing more than a soundtrack that offers the mere essentials should be pleased enough with this effort.

According to Greta Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

According to Greta's Blu-ray release comes with but a few minor extras. Greta: Behind the Scenes (1080i, 18:39) is a basic piece that touches the surface of the film's themes, explores the performances of the cast with emphasis on Duff's and Burstyn's performances and careers, and examines the contributions of the crew. The piece is assembled with the obligatory interview snippets, clips from the film, and raw behind-the-scenes footage. Also included is a collection of deleted and alternate scenes (1080i, 7:17) and an alternate ending (1080i, 1:34).

According to Greta Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A film with purpose but also a narrow audience, According to Greta may find meaning with younger audiences coping with issues similar to those that have come to define the life of its lead character, but viewers watching from a wholly detached perspective will find little beyond the surface that's worth the effort. Actress Hillary Duff delivers a suitably good performance as an issue-ridden teenager, and while her journey is of the paint-by-numbers variety, it still may have merit amongst viewers her age, towards whom the film is geared. This latest Blu-ray release from Starz does the movie justice, sporting a fine 1080p picture quality, a good lossless soundtrack, but only a few filler extras. Worth a rental for fans of the cast or those struggling with problems akin to those plaguing the lead character.