The Ketchup Effect (Hip Hip Hora!) by Amanda Renberg

Good portrayal of how one mistake can ruin a whole school career. Feels like a genuine look at early teen life.

Much as I have enjoyed American Pie + this is a teenage number, European, that the IMDB 5.2 rating just seems absurd, perhaps not mindless enough and too sophisticated. As well as good watching, humour, great pace, it hits many parental/daughter buttons. Well made and above all well thought out: drama instead of drivel. If you like The Bridge, The Killing etc another Scandi hit.

The film deals with the problems faced by adolescents; bullying, sexual harassment, peer pressure, communication with and rebellion against parents and authority, sexual experimentation etc.The young actors all give excellent performances but a special mention is deserved for Amanda Renburg who plays the lead role of Sophie. Her characterisation of a thirteen year old is extremely credible, not easy at seventeen, especially when she is on screen for most of the film.My one criticism is that the character's maturing process, in order to deal with her problems, is a too sudden, 'Road to Damascus' experience, which feels a bit 'Hollywood'.Never the less, the film moves along at a good pace and is entertaining. Sometimes tragic and often humourous.Well worth 5 stars. I would certainly recommend it.