Watch How to Deal

How to Deal is a romantic comedy-drama movie from 2003 which stars Mandy Moore, Trent Ford, Dylan Baker in leading roles. The film was directed by Clare Kilner and is based on a novel by Sarah Dessen entitled 'Someone like You' and 'That Summer.' The movie tells the story of Halley Martin (Mandy Moore), a sensitive high-school student who lives in North Carolina with her father (Peter Gallagher) and her quirky little sister, Ashley (Mary Catherine Garrison). Halley is facing many difficulties in her life: her parents' divorce, her grandmother's passing, and her sister's obsession with alligators.

Despite all these challenges, Halley remains determined to pursue her dreams of attending college and becoming a writer. She also has a close relationship with her best friend Scarlett (Alexandra Holden), who is dealing with her own pregnancy and the consequences that come with it.

The plot takes an interesting turn when Halley meets a new student at school, Macon Forrester (Trent Ford), a famous and charming musician. Initially, Halley is not impressed by Macon's fame and avoids him, but the two eventually become closer as they work together on a project for school. As they begin to develop romantic feelings for each other, they face obstacles such as ex-girlfriends, parental pressure, and Macon's wandering eye.

Throughout the movie, Halley also has to deal with her father's new relationship with a younger woman (Allison Janney), and her own conflicted feelings about love and relationships. The film's ending is heartfelt and touching, as Halley discovers the true meaning of love, loss, and the importance of family and friendship.

Mandy Moore delivers a powerful performance as Halley, portraying the complex emotions and struggles of a teenage girl with honesty and vulnerability. Trent Ford also shines as the charming and talented Macon, bringing depth and charm to his character.

The movie's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring songs from some of the biggest names in music, including Mandy Moore, Vanessa Carlton, and The Donnas. The music adds another layer of emotion to the film, accentuating the highs and lows of Halley's journey.

Overall, How to Deal is a heartwarming movie that explores universal themes of love, loss, and growing up. Its relatable characters, touching storyline, and powerful performances make it a movie that viewers can easily connect with and enjoy.

How to Deal is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 45.