Writer-director Gia Coppola obviously enjoys a dynastic advantage, being the 27-year-old niece of Sofia Coppola (The Bling Ring) and granddaughter of Francis Ford Coppola. Inspired by James Franco's angst-riddled, autobiographical short story collection, her first film revolves around affluent yet aimless suburban teenagers in Northern California. Shy, sensitive, studious April (Emma Roberts) is a virginal soccer player who has a crush on her coach, Mr. B. (Franco), an overly-friendly single dad for whom she often babysits. Teddy (Jack Kilmer), who yearns for April, performs community service at the library to atone for a DUI. Unfortunately, as a filmmaker Coppola concentrates far more on detailed visuals than on storytelling in the unfocused Palo Alto, which essentially consists of vignettes that are loosely strung together. Optional. (S. Granger)
Palo Alto
Phase 4, 100 min., R, DVD: $19.99, Sept. 9 Volume 29, Issue 4
Palo Alto
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