It's a sexy story of an L.A. Romeo and Juliet that manages to avoid alot of the clichés you'd normally expect.

You might not think the 'girl meets boy' story needs re-telling, but here it is served up in a surprisingly pallatable form with the story of a (crazy) mixed-up rich girl and her poor (beautiful) Latino lover.

Nicole (Kirsten Dunst) is the emotionally troubled, hard drinking daughter of a rich but liberal Congressman who has all but given up on his self-destructive daughter.

Kirsten Dunst manages to look suitably spaced out throughout the film

One day she meets Carlos (Jay Hernandez), an unbelievably squeeky clean Latino student who is working hard at school to get out of his East Los Angeles barrio.

It's not surprising then that there's going to be trouble when they get together.

In a nice reversal of roles it's Carlos that faces pressure from family and friends to steer clear of the rich white girl. Their relationship looks like it could jepordise his chances of changing his life and escaping the crushing poverty of his home.

Jay Hernandez is a clean cut Mr nice guy - Hey you're too good for her!

So will Nicole drag Carlos down into her world of reckless drinking and drug abuse?

This is an excellent film – a welcome change from normal teen fodder that Hollywood routinely pumps out. The film respects it's young audience by giving it's characters an emotional depth that is usually lacking in films of it's type.

Yes the film is overly optimistic, especially in it's resolution. Nicole's substance abuse is simply brushed over as if love can conquer all. but if you forgive the Hollywood simplifications you will find a film that is well worth a trip to the flicks.