Anywhere But Here

There are so many reasons why a movie like "Anywhere But Here" shouldn't work that you might be tempted to overlook the reasons why it does.

After all, this kind of touchy-feely character drama has been done to death — most recently with the erratic "Crazy in Alabama " — and with some terrific casting in such films as "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" and "Terms of Endearment."

Yet the film's cast and crew attack the material with so much sincerity that they nearly overcome the somewhat superficial character development, the predictable plotting and director Wayne Wang's too-deliberate pacing.

The end result isn't always pretty. In fact, a couple of scenes are downright tedious. But the actors make it watchable, even appealing — especially Susan Sarandon and Natalie Portman, playing recent Beverly Hills transplants.

Fed up with living in rural Wisconsin, flighty, middle-age Adele August (Sarandon) uproots herself and her teenage daughter, Ann (Portman), hoping that the two of them will find a more thrilling way of life — if not finally come to terms with each other.

But Adele quickly discovers that there's a different standard of living in Southern California, as her high school teaching job can afford only a crummy two-bedroom on the outskirts of the city. What's worse, Ann resents her mother for taking her away from her friends and for her efforts to turn her daughter into an actress.

However, as Adele and Ann continue their bickering, they gradually find some common ground and, through adversity, actually rediscover their love for one another. They also find new friendships and possible romance.

As mentioned, the material looks and sounds familiar — almost too familiar. And when directed in rather solemn fashion by Wang ("The Chinese Box," "Smoke"), it threatens to become too precious or, even worse, too "important."

Fortunately, the script (by two-time Oscar-winner Alvin Sargent) throws in some humor when the story calls for it, especially the bits involving Ann's romance with a fellow student (hilariously played by Utah actor Corbin Allred).

The film's real saving graces, though, are the two stars, who are very convincing playing various ages (it helps that both are youthful-looking).

Sarandon may have a rather showy role, but she imbues her character with real warmth. And Portman — playing the trickier and seemingly less likable part — somehow avoids being too sulky and sullen. (Although her monotone voice-over narration is one of the film's weakest links.)

"Anywhere But Here" is rated PG-13 for scattered profanities, use of some vulgar slang terms, some sexual talk and brief violence (some slapping and shoving).