LADY BIRD - Take Note I Loved It! Stars Saoirse Ronan, Tracy Letts, Laurie Metcalf and Lucas Hedges

LADY BIRD is a coming of age story of a most remarkable high school student, Christine "Lady Bird" (played by Acad Award winner Saoirse Ronan).  "Lady Bird" is the Christine is the name "given to me by me" she tells the Priest (Stephen Henderson FENCES) when auditioning for the senior musical.  What's most remarkable about this unflappable, outspoken free spirit is her relentless spirit to soak up happiness. This flawless film is written & directed by Greta Gerwig (MAGGIE'S PLAN and FRANCES HA).   Gerwig, like her character was born in Sacramento, attended Catholic high school & yearned for more than their provincial lives.  The movie is an exuberant ballad to high school years of self-discovery, friendship, freedoms & the endless possibilities "not that is known of yet!".  Amidst the fun of being young, unencumbered & ready to take on the world, Lady Bird takes on her mother (Laurie Metcalf, TV & Broadway star) with some benevolent help from her father (Pulitzer Prize playwright & actor Tracy Letts).  Lady Bird's audacity, enterprising and boundless energy make her a formidable ally and challenging adversary for her mother.  The mother/daughter dynamics are comically contentious yet their indivisible bonds of love are omnipotent.  The two bicker relentlessly.  Their moments of truce are so abrupt and heartfelt they send you flying.  (The scene shopping together for a dress is hilarious.)  Gerwig captures the broad range of high school angst as well as its glee.  The entire ensemble cast is pitch perfect.  Especially touching are Lady Bird's first boyfriend (Lucas Hedges, MANCEHSTER BY THE SEA) best friend (Beanie Feldstein {Jonah Hill's sister}) and Catholic Headmistress (Lois Smith).   The movie is rich in kindness, acceptance and forgiveness.  It's also entrenched with empathy & epiphanies of other's hardships. "Not everyone is built for happiness".  Above all, LADY BIRD soars with delight.  Ronan & Metcalf should earn Oscar nominations for their outstanding performances which fly on top of a great supporting cast and winning script.   As much as Lady Bird yearns to flee the coupe of her hometown, Headmistress observes from reading her college essay how beautifully she pays tribute.  "Taking notice and loving are not the same" Lady Bird tells her.  Oh, but aren't they asks the wise old dame.