Here on Earth

The promising Leelee Sobieski (Deep Impact) stars as a small town girl swept off her feet by a preppie (Chris Klein) whose drag race with her hot-headed boyfriend (Josh Hartnett) ends in a crash and fire that destroys her family's diner. Charged with reckless driving, he's sentenced to help rebuild the restaurant, sending sparks flying between the two boys, now in competition for Sobieski's heart. Thanks to the talented cast (who bring the characters depth not found in the script), this romantic teenage tear-jerker (there's a tragic medical twist) manages to overcome its paltry romantic chemistry and predictable, pandering filmmaking to become very affecting. I'm not saying it's good, per se. I'm just saying don't forget the Kleenex. A strong optional purchase. (R. Blackwelder)