A romantic story of a rebellious teenager who falls in love with a drifting cowboy who is about twice her age.

Harlan Carruthers (Edward Norton) a drifting cowboy from South Dakota, recently moved to San Fernando Valley and is working as a gas station attendant. 18 year old Tobe (Evan Rachel Wood) is the rebellious daughter of a single father Wade (David Morse), who is a correctional officer. She lives with her dad and little brother Lonnie (Rory Culkin) in the San Fernando Valley.

On her way to the beach with her friends, one day, Tobe meets Harlan at the gas station. It is love at first sight for Tobe as well as Harlan. He took her invitation to go to the beach and quit his job on the spot. The big  difference in age between them was not a hindrance in stopping them from falling in love. One thing lead to another and their love deepened. Wade didn't like the idea of his daughter being in love with a cowpoke. He was more upset when Harlan took a real interest in emotionally troubled little Lonnie.

On Tobe's part, she didn't know that Harlan has a different side to him apart from his usual gentle personality. Find out more about the true character of Harlan and what happens to the relationship between Tobe and him.

Director David Jacobson skillfully narrates a romantic story of a young girl in love with an older man. He tells the powerful story with great wit and charm and portrays the tender relationship between Tobe and Harlan very well. He successfully introduces a twist in the tale by making Harlan a different personality other than what he appears to be.

Ed Norton as Harlan presents a decent performance. He very well portray the innocence and tenderness of an old man in love with a young girl. But the movie belongs to Evan Rachel Wood. As Tobe, a luscious suburban teenager, she puts up an excellent performance. Rory Culkin is also good as Lonnie.

It is a touching story of a modern day teenager. The film has profanity, violence, bad language, sex and sexual contents but it is also a poetic, tender tale of young mind that is ready to explore real life. If you are a fan of Norton or Wood, you will enjoy the film more.

We rate this movie GOOD.