The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Rising admirably above the bubblegum genre norm, this smart, charming, superbly acted film stars Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls), America Ferrera (Real Women Have Curves), Amber Tamblyn (Joan of Arcadia), and newcomer Blake Lively as 17-year-old best friends separated for the first time by various vacations, but symbolically linked together by a pair of secondhand jeans they share by mail. Inexplicably fitting each of them, despite very different body types, the pants become a touchstone as they're sent from friend to friend, giving each girl confidence, good luck, or comfort from unexpected hardship just when such encouragement is most needed. Adapted from the first in a series of popular books by Ann Brashares, the movie has a foundation of coming-of-age clichés, but builds upon that base beautifully with growing, three-dimensional characters who make real mistakes, find real trouble, and experience honest angst, consternation, and joy. Exponentially more earnest, affecting, and credible than 90% of movies aimed at teenage girls (and universal enough to appeal to young women--and even men), this is recommended. [Note: DVD extras include a “Sisters, Secrets, and the Traveling Pants” video commentary of the actresses watching selected scenes (18 min.), a conversation with author Ann Brashares (9 min.), deleted scenes with optional commentary by director Ken Kwapis (8 min.), a seven-minute “Suckumentary” rough cut of Tibby and Bailey's documentary, a five-minute “Fun on the Set” behind-the scenes featurette, and trailers. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a fine ‘tween film.] (R. Blackwelder)