Many teenagers as well as adults may relate to the scenarios in the film, "Anywhere But Here." There are 15-year-olds living through the arguments, the agreements and the confusion that Anne (Natalie Portman) experiences. Then there are adults that may reminisce about those same situations with regrets and appreciation. Everywhere there are mothers that should relate to Susan Sarandon's role. With tender guidance she attempts to be optimistic and carefree when dealing with her stubborn daughter who just wants to be somewhere else. In the absence of a father, Anne is raised by Adele (Susan Sarandon), who tries unsuccessfully to find another male to fill the void. Portman and Sarandon's portrayal of the mother and daughter relationship is starkly realistic and believable.

The story begins as mother and daughter set out to drive cross-country in a gaudy gold Mercedes Benz that Anne eventually admits "changed their lives." Anne is clearly disgusted with her mother's decision to move from the sleepy town of Bayside to flashy Beverly Hills. The young woman is leaving behind her beloved friends and family, including a very special cousin, Benny (Shawn Hatosy). The mother is leaving family and a second marriage behind as well, but more importantly, the small town way of life.

Upon their arrival in the city of palm trees, swimming pools and movie stars, Adele has yet to establish a place of residence nor has she secured an occupation. There is a role reversal between mother and daughter that becomes evident when Sarandon continually exhibits irresponsibility in even the simplest of tasks such as paying bills or obeying parking zones. The attitude that Adele possesses concerning money has its moments of absurd hilarity and also annoyance. What is most irritating is how Sarandon embellishes upon her social status, her occupation as well as her (ex) husband's. Anne remains straight faced through this habitual lying that occurs on a regular basis.

Anne's seriousness rarely breaks throughout the entire film. She is level headed and conscious of many necessities which her mother overlooks or dismisses. An endearing trait that Sarandon utilizes when faced with problems is the ice cream factor: When the going gets tough, the tough go to Baskin Robbins.

The film attempts to show the characters as they go through transformations and make accommodations. For example, Adele lands a position as a speech pathologist at a less than desirable inner city high school. Anne adjusts to her high school fairly well, however the film does not really explore this situation. What the film fails to do is provide an explanation or elaboration on many distracting details. It tries to weave in additional characters to add depth to the storyline, but all that results in is more confusion and frustration for the audience. These additions are sloppily placed around the developing plot which becomes murkier as more superfluous details appear. To make matters worse, the central theme continues to nag at the viewers: headstrong Anne is determined to leave her mother behind, yet a dependence remains between the daughter and mother as well. This is evident of both characters, but we certainly are not shown why this is the case.

"Anywhere But Here" is reminiscent of the classic "Terms of Endearment" with its portrayal of the love-hate relationship between mother and daughter. Portman genuinely shines in her role as Anne August. Sarandon delivers in her role as a scatterbrained Adele. Unfortunately, there are gaps in the plot that are not filled by the ice cream solution.

Two and one half shamrocks out of five

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