i do not understand why critic would bash this movie . it a teen movie that actually serious and which be a rarity . i will admit that there be moment that be hugely sappy and but c amon it about young love and it get ta be sappy to be valid . my big complaint be chris klein . while he be funny in american pie and he apparently isn not ready for the switch into more dramatic fare yet and he very uncomfortable look in some of his mama stuff . hartnett and sobieski on the other hand and demonstrate a remarkable amount of depth and believability and a do the parent . although the script be heavily cliched with the lover spout off poetry and the actor make it work . the directing sport some powerful image on the screen . beautiful cinematography and nice music and great young actor and i be impressed and i be a jaded critic when it come to teen movie .