This is a movie that you could criticize as being shallow and juvenile, but I really enjoyed it.  The actors were excellent, especially Dominique Swain.  The story was pretty predictable, but it didn't matter.  I just enjoyed being with these people and sharing their feelings and experiences.  Dominique was very lovable and you wanted her to succeed.  Most movies I have watched have had boring periods when you just wanted to fast forward -- but the plot of  "Girl" moved right along.  I always enjoy movies like this one, where the characters are changing and developing.  For me, the treatment of how girls become "women" was actually insightful. The movie also had an appeal because the "bad" guy who bullied others, was defeated.