Alexa Vega in "Odd Girl Out"
courtesy of Lifetime Channel
"Odd Girl Out" (Lifetime)

Once again the Lifetime Channel brings us an original movie with a message. This one is titled "Odd Girl Out" and it explores the world of teen girl bullying. Lisa Vidal of "The Division" and "Spy Kids" star Alexis Vega are seen as a mother/daughter in this show.

Vega plays Vanessa Snyder, one of the most popular girls in her high school class. Her best friend is Stacy Larson (Leah Pipes) and the third girl in her clique is Nikki Rodriguez (Elizabeth Rice). Unknown to Vanessa, Nikki is jealous of her and wants to cause trouble between her and Stacy. She gets her chance when Tony (Chad Biagini), a boy in whom Stacy is interested, flirts with Vanessa. 

Nikki takes this instance and poisons Stacy's mind against Vanessa. From there it grows to hate e-mails and cruel taunts at school. Vanessa doesn't know where to turn and doesn't let her mother (Vidal) know what the problem is. Eventually her problems with this cruel bullying overwhelm her.

This show deals only with the subject of bullying. The high school crowd in this movie doesn't have problems with underage drinking or drug use. That is probably good as the problem of bullying is not diluted by including other problems. It also helps that Vanessa is shown to be one of the "popular" girls and not one who would be the weakest member of the class.

Vega is very good in her role, conveying the frustration and fears such bullying brings about. Vidal is also good as her mother, showing the evolution of her character from passive observer to pro-active participant. Elizabeth Rice is chilling as the treacherous Nikki, while Shari Perry makes a good impression as the girl who comes to Vanessa's aid.

It is easy to dismiss these "Lifetime" movies as the crises of the week type of film, but there are lessons to be learned here. Bullying among teen-age girls is a serious problem, and parents should be aware that it exists. A movie such as "Odd Girl Out" can be used to open up discussions within the family.

"Odd Girl Out" premieres on the Lifetime Channel on April 4 at 9PM. Make sure you watch it with your family and have the necessary discussion.

 

 

 

 

 

©2005 Jackie K. Cooper

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