When I saw the description for Flipped, I thought it was going to be another childish love story with no real meaning. Little did I know that this childish love story would quickly have me rethinking.

Directed by Rob Reiner and based on Wendelin Van Draamen’s novel, the movie takes us on a nostalgic journey through the lives of two young neighbors, Bryce (Callan McAuliffe) and Juli (Madeline Carroll). 

Set in a small town in 1960 Michigan, this movie brings you back to a childlike feeling as you follow Bryce and Juli from childhood to young adulthood. You get the opportunity to view the development of one's character from an outside perspective allowing you to see clearly how they develop their personalities.

As Bryce and Juli navigate the complexities of their feelings for each other, they also learn valuable lessons about empathy, acceptance, and the true meaning of love. As you watch, you will find yourself unknowingly smiling at how sweet each scene is. Like when Juli’s dad teaches her an important life lesson; the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. “A cow by itself is just a cow. A meadow by itself is just grass, flowers. And the sun peeking through the trees is just a beam of light. But you put them all together… and it can be magic.” Juli later learns from Chet, played by John Mahoney, that the same applies to people. Only sometimes, the whole can be less. 

What sets Flipped apart is its authenticity. With the cast of this film being relatively small names, it provides the movie with a certain individuality that allows the audience to be fully immersed in the story.  Penelope Ann Miller and Aidan Quinn play the role of Juli’s parents wonderfully as they teach their only daughter about the things that really matter in life. And Rebecca De Mornay with Anthony Edwards as Bryce's parents showing a family dynamic completely different from that of Juli’s. This is with the exception of Disney star Shane Harper who you may have seen in movies like Dirty Dancing, High School Musical 2, or Dance-off.  Yet each character brings a different purpose to the film as they each contribute their own part to the character development of Bryce and Juli. 

At its core, Flipped is a love story, but not just between two individuals. It's a love story that captures the innocence of youth, to the bittersweet nostalgia of growing up, and to the honest power of human connection.