She's Out of Control 1989
Directed by
Stan Dragoti
Made by
Columbia Pictures
Plot Summary
In this heartwarming and poignant story of self-discovery and the complexities of family interactions, we are introduced to Doug Simpson, a dedicated father and radio station manager residing in California, along with his two lively daughters, Katie and Bonnie. As Katie nears the pivotal age of 15, she finds herself yearning for a more sophisticated image. Determined to shed her childhood appearance, which includes an unflattering wardrobe, thick glasses, and a full set of braces, she embarks on a journey of transformation. Her longtime boyfriend, Richard, has been her steadfast companion throughout middle school, earning the affection of her doting father.
When Doug leaves for a business trip, Katie seizes the chance to reinvent herself as a stunning young woman, with the help of his girlfriend, Janet Pearson. When Doug returns, he is taken aback to see that all the eligible bachelors in town are suddenly interested in her. His paternal instincts kick in, leading to an overwhelming sense of possessiveness, prompting Janet to suggest that Doug might need some professional advice, which pushes him to seek help from a so-called expert.
However, the guidance he receives only exacerbates the situation, spiraling into a comedic cascade of misguided choices and entertaining misunderstandings. In the latter half of the story, Katie finds herself juggling three different romantic relationships, ultimately parting ways with two of her suitors. Meanwhile, Bonnie, the more adventurous younger sister, begins her own foray into the dating scene.
As the plot thickens and approaches its climax, Katie embarks on a class trip to Europe, where she rekindles her connection with Richard, marking a significant turning point in their relationship. In a shocking twist, Doug learns that the “expert” he had put his trust in was, in fact, a fraud with no real experience in parenting—a discovery that adds further layers to his quest for understanding and acceptance in the dynamic world of fatherhood.
Timeline
Introduction to Doug and Family
The story begins in California with Doug Simpson, a dedicated father and radio station manager. He lives with his two lively daughters, Katie and Bonnie, highlighting the dynamics of family life.
Katie's Transformation Begins
As Katie approaches her 15th birthday, she begins to feel the pressure to reinvent herself into a more sophisticated young woman. This leads her to decide to change her unflattering wardrobe, thick glasses, and braces.
Doug's Prior Relationship
Katie has a longtime boyfriend named Richard, who has been a steady presence in her life since middle school. Doug appreciates Richard's role and respects his daughter's relationship with him.
Doug's Business Trip
Doug leaves for a business trip, providing Katie with the perfect opportunity to start her transformation. With the help of her father's girlfriend, Janet Pearson, she begins to change her look and gain confidence.
Doug's Reaction to Katie's New Look
Upon Doug's return, he is shocked to see Katie transformed into a stunning young woman. Suddenly, eligible bachelors in town become interested in her, triggering Doug's protective, possessive instincts as a father.
Seeking Professional Help
Feeling overwhelmed by his daughter's new attention, Doug decides to seek professional advice on how to manage the situation. However, Janet suggests that Doug's need for assistance is perfectly normal for a father.
Misguided Guidance
The advice Doug receives from the so-called parenting expert turns out to exacerbate the situation instead of solving it. His misguided choices lead to a comedic series of misunderstandings and unintended consequences.
Katie's Romantic Entanglements
As the story progresses, Katie finds herself juggling three different romantic relationships. This phase of her life is filled with excitement and complications as she navigates her emerging feelings.
Bonnie Joins the Dating Scene
Meanwhile, Bonnie, the adventurous younger sister, begins her own exploration of dating. Her experiences provide a fresh perspective as the story delves deeper into the complexities of teenage relationships.
Katie's Class Trip to Europe
Things take a significant turn when Katie embarks on a class trip to Europe. During this trip, she rekindles her connection with Richard, which marks a pivotal moment in their relationship.
Doug's Shocking Discovery
In a shocking twist, Doug discovers that the parenting expert he had trusted was actually a fraud. This revelation deepens his understanding of fatherhood and the dynamics at play in raising teenage daughters.
Katie's Decision
Facing the complexities of her romantic life, Katie ultimately decides to part ways with two of her suitors. This decision reflects her growth and newfound clarity about what she truly wants.
Family Dynamics Evolve
Throughout the challenges and changes, the relationship between Doug and his daughters evolves. The family learns to communicate better and support each other through the ups and downs of adolescence.
Conclusion of the Journey
As the story comes to a close, the themes of self-discovery and family interaction resonate. Each character moves forward, having learned valuable lessons about love, identity, and the bonds that tie them together.
Characters
Doug Simpson (Wallace Shawn)
Doug is a dedicated father, facing the challenges of parenting a teenage daughter. He embodies the traits of protectiveness and love, often navigating the tumultuous waters of fatherhood with a mix of confusion and concern. As he witnesses Katie's transformation, his instincts lead him to question his ability to guide her through the complexities of growing up.
Katie (Ami Dolenz)
Katie is a spirited teenager on the brink of young adulthood, yearning for independence and a new identity. Her character represents the challenges of self-image and the desire for acceptance. As she navigates multiple romantic interests, Katie exemplifies the complexities and emotional turbulence of adolescence.
Janet Pearson (Tony Danza)
Janet is Doug's supportive girlfriend, playing a crucial role in guiding both Doug and Katie through their challenges. She symbolizes understanding and encouragement, trying to help Doug reconcile his protectiveness with letting Katie grow. Her nurturing nature provides a balance to Doug's overbearing instincts.
Setting
Time period
The movie captures the essence of contemporary teenage life, particularly focusing on the struggles of self-image and the search for identity during one's formative years. It reflects the transitional phase of adolescence, where friendships and romantic relationships are intensely explored, and the complexities of family relationships come to the forefront.
Location
California, Europe
California serves as the backdrop for the story, highlighting the laid-back lifestyle and the vibrant, evolving social dynamics as the characters navigate familial relationships and teenage transformations. It's a place known for its diversity, culture, and opportunity, making it an ideal setting for self-discovery. The latter part of the movie takes Katie to Europe, presenting a juxtaposition of her American upbringing with the romantic and historical allure of European culture.
Themes
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Relationships
The theme of relationships plays a pivotal role in the movie as Katie navigates her budding romantic interests and her connection with her father. Doug's possessiveness highlights the protective nature of parental love, while Katie's interactions with her suitors reveal the challenges of teenage romance. The evolution of these relationships showcases the trials and tribulations of love during adolescence, adding depth to the family dynamics.
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Transformation
Transformation is a central theme, represented through Katie's physical makeover and her journey to shed her childhood identity. This quest for self-improvement signifies the broader struggles faced by teenagers seeking acceptance and validation. The film emphasizes that transformation is not only skin deep; it symbolizes the internal struggle many face while growing up and understanding themselves.
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