This film portrays the life of a teenage girl going through puberty in a poor family in Beverly Hills during the 70s, living with her dad and two brothers. I suppose this could fall into the category of anti-teen-glam movie, in which the protagonist must deal with such traumas as the development of breasts ("Is this a deformity?"), menstruation, and life as a nomad. Its earthy, trailer park raunchiness (i.e. realism) often treads the thin line between utterly repulsive and funny.

When an older cousin comes to town (played my Marisa Tomei (Costanza, don't even think about it!)) in her own messed up way, she becomes a sisterly figure to Vivian. Rita (the cousin) and Vivian's father manage to convince Rita's faraway uncle (the father's brother) that Rita should stay in town and go to nursing school, and that he should send them money so she can do so. This advance of funds allows the family to move into a more upscale place. Of course, complications occur. ("I live in a family of freaks!")

I suppose this falls into the category of a "people" movie or something, if we are to categorize things. Natasha Lyonne and Alan Arkin both do really good acting jobs. When in doubt, smile and nod. And laugh at the obsurdity of life in general. There ya go.