'Thirteen' unlucky number, powerful film

Newcomer Catherine Hardwicke created a masterful and dark drama that has disturbed and frightened parents across the country. A story seen through the eyes of a troubled thirteen-year-old portrays what can happen to even the most innocent teens growing up in today's materialistic and beauty-obsessed culture.\nEven though Thirteen exemplifies a worst-case scenario, it has made such an impact because it does happen. Proof of this is that the documentary-style film is a true story co-written by the thirteen-year-old Nikki Reed after she sadly lived through this, and it's a screenplay that writers strive to write throughout their career. Reed also makes her acting debut in the film. Hardwicke didn't think Reed looked innocent enough to play herself, the good girl gone bad, so she instead plays the troublemaker best friend.\nThirteen showcases the downward spiral Tracy (Evan Rachel Wood) undergoes after befriending Evie (Reed). Tracy was a bright and innocent girl before she met Evie, the hottest and most popular girl in junior high. It wasn't only the desire to fit in that brought Tracy down, but also her home life. Her ex-alcoholic mother, Melanie (Holly Hunter), suffers from an unstable love life, and her father considers her more of a client than a daughter. It is frightening to watch these little girls dropping acid, having sex, stealing thousands of dollars and trying to replace emotional pain with physical pain by cutting themselves. \nThe issue of what young girls will do to fit in has been presented through various types of media. What sets this film so far apart is not only their age, but their brilliant performances. Both Wood and Reed showcase such depth that it's almost frightening to see how real these characters become. This is especially true in the heart-wrenching and climactic scene when everything comes crashing down for Tracy. She finds out she's going to be held back in the seventh grade, Evie has betrayed her and her mother finally opens her eyes to what has been going on behind closed doors. Holly Hunter should be duly noted for her performance. The audience sympathizes with her and understands that she is trying to be a good mother.\nIt is refreshing to see such brilliant acting and a screenplay written with such passion. Take a step away from commercial Hollywood films and embrace this film.