A "good girl" who has a strained relationship with her mother becomes friends with the popular girl at school; but she is soon introduced to a world of drugs, sex and crime with no easy way out

Co-written by star Nikki Reed, Thirteen is a stark look at how young people can go astray. Wood and Reed give believable performances as the rebelling teenage girls. Holly Hunter was nominated for an Oscar for her role as a concerned parent with troubles of her own and I was also very pleased with Jeremy Sisto as her sometimes boyfriend; I found his smallish character very interesting.

Thirteen has a nicely packaged script with some creative directing and an effective soundtrack. This, combined with a slue of fine performances makes Thirteen a satisfying and poignant teen drama that every parent should see.

Directed by Catherine Hardwicke.

Also recommended: Thirteen Soundtrack.