Next Door

Yet another documentary focusing on one family's struggle with teenage alcoholism, drug use, and promiscuity, J. Clements' Next Door initially has viewers sympathizing more with the parents, than with Laura, their teenage daughter and oldest of three kids. Cocky, rude, and disrespectful, Laura is verbally and even physically abusive to her mother. Of course, there's more to the story here than meets the eye, and as the film progresses and we learn more about the underlying reasons for Laura's problems, our first impressions are challenged. Touching on a wide range of issues--from low self-esteem to poor family communication to peer pressure--Next Door, which is also available in an “educational version” with built-in pauses for discussion purposes at the same price--is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Asala)