_How to Deal_ is one of those teen romance movies that really sneaks up on you. It’s not just fluff, but rather a surprisingly genuine look at how messy, complicated, and downright weird life can be when you’re young. Mandy Moore nails it as Halley, a girl who’s completely over the whole idea of love, thanks to her parents’ messy divorce and the chaos around her. But as things progress, she starts to realize that maybe, just maybe, love isn’t the total joke she thought it was.

This movie isn’t afraid to get real. It tackles some tough topics—teen pregnancy, loss, and family drama—but it does it without being over-the-top or preachy. And let’s not forget the laughs. Allison Janney, playing Halley’s mom, delivers some solid comedic moments, while Nina Foch as the stoned grandma adds a quirky, unexpected layer of humor.

But here’s the thing that sets _How to Deal_ apart—it doesn’t dumb things down for the audience. The relationships are messy and complicated, just like real life, and it’s those imperfections that make the movie feel authentic. There’s definitely some cliché teen drama stuff in there, but it’s handled with enough sincerity that it doesn’t feel like a tired rehash.

At the end of the day, _How to Deal_ gives you more than the usual teen romance fluff. It’s a heartfelt, honest look at the ups and downs of love and growing up. If you’re in the mood for a teen movie that doesn’t insult your intelligence, this one’s definitely worth a watch.