An Education

How many teenage girls could refuse the advances of a handsome, wealthy, and ultra-sophisticated older man? Actually, quite a few I bet, but not Jenny, who longs for much more than what her provincial and overly structured life is giving her. Jenny, played by newcomer Carey Mulligan, is wonderful as the precocious teen who falls for David, an equally good Peter Sarsgaard. Carey has her heart set on studying English at Oxford until she falls under his spell, which by the way makes her money conscious dad quite happy. Soon after meeting David, Jenny is propelled into a world of nightclubs and fine restaurants, and it's no surprise that her studies begin to suffer because of it. David is so beguiling that he even charms mom and dad, as they utter nary a complaint. Hard to imagine this really happening, but David uses his charm, and some tall tales to assuage Jenny's parents. Alfred Molina plays Jenny's father, and he does a fantastic job of portraying this well meaning, but clueless character: adding some laughs to what is essentially a serious story. Along the way Jenny gets the education that the title promises, and the audience gets one as well. This is a must see.

Rating - 3 1/2 Stars