Nail Polish (2006)

Synopsis
Nail Polish, a bittersweet coming-of-age comic drama set in the 1980s, gives a fresh and honest look at the pitfalls teens endure on the path to adulthood. Allison, an introverted teenager, hasn’t gotten much out of the high school experience. Instead of socializing, she prefers to hide behind her shyness, writing poetry and daydreaming her life away. She knows she needs to break out of her shell and start living the life of a more normal teenager, but she doesn’t know how. But, all that’s about to change during her family’s annual summer trip to the Jersey shore. First, Allison’s fun-loving and popular best friend Becky, vows to help her fit in with the opposite sex by introducing her to a series of potential candidates. Next, she meets Gina, a Jersey girl beautician, who sympathizes with Allison’s struggle and tries to cultivate her long-ignored sex appeal. But, reality isn't as romantic as Allison's vivid daydreams and her clumsy attempts at sexual intimacy and humiliating diner job aren't adding up to a good time. Matters are further complicated when Becky's wild mother, an ex-Hooters waitress, invades the girls’ shore house and turns it into her party crash pad that pulls Allison into a triangle of mother-daughter conflict and competition. But, the summer finally turns around when Allison meets the mysterious Wayne, a sexy, rebellious Harvard student two years her senior, who shares her love of dark poetry and sense of alienation. As tensions erupt at home with Becky and her mother, Allison turns to Wayne for comfort. She is lured into an unsteady experience of first love and starts to take responsibility for her own happiness. In her directorial debut, Jane Ainbinder ups the ante on the coming-of-age genre film by avoiding the usual teen flick clichés and presents us with a warmly endearing look at a young girl navigating the difficult terrain of sexual awakening.

Interview with Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin about Nail Polish
Kevin and Kristin were not exactly prepared to see (or interview ) Will Ferrell at the screening of Nail Polish, but they didn't pass up the opportunity.
(11/16/2006 Starz Denver Film Festival)