DVD Reviews

The Secret Life of The American Teenager: Volume Three – DVD Review

By June L. Jan 3, 2010, 18:25 GMT

The teen drama that has everyone talking is more exciting than ever in Volume Three. Rediscover all the drama and emotion of THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER, the critically acclaimed original ABC Family series. It\'s a whole new world for Amy as she tries to juggle motherhood, school, work and family. Meanwhile, Grace and Jack take their relationship to the next level. Experience all 12 episodes of Volume ...more

The Secret Life of the American Teenager is now available on DVD for Season Two Volume Three containing the first 12 episodes of the season.  This continues the story of Amy who now has to balance her life of high school and motherhood, and viewers also see what is happening in the lives of her friends and family members.

Without becoming too dark or too over-the-top The Secret Life of the American Teenager looks at the very real problems of an unexpected and unwanted teen pregnancy. 

This series created by Barbara Hampton gets high praise from young people and their parents for its honest and accurate portrayal of high school students and the difficulties they face.  These viewers relate to Amy, Ben, Ricky and Grace, or to the parents or teachers of the students, and they are anxious to see how these people deal with what life hands them. 

Wisdom is imparted by these characters, and lessons can be learned, often with a touch of humor that makes the knowledge all that more memorable.  It is good storytelling, dramatic and yet believable and very human. 

There are episodes that bring a tear to the eye, which is praise for the cast’s ability to convey the message with emotion. 

Year two has Amy (Shailene Woody) now a mother of baby John, and confused about her feelings for two young men.  The baby’s father Ricky (Darren Kagasoff) wants to be a part of John’s life, but continually exhibits behavior that makes it hard to think he is ready for fatherhood. 

Ben (Kenny Baumann) Amy’s boyfriend certainly doesn’t think that there is anything good about Ricky, and can’t understand why Amy will trust him to look after John when she won’t allow Ben to baby sit.  Amy’s Mom (Molly Ringwald) and Dad (Mark Derwin) have split up and her Mom is dating someone new. 

She has become closer to her sister Ashley (India Eisley) as they learn that Mom is expecting.  It is not as if the other people have it any easier.  Grace (Megan Park) is making big decisions about Jack (Greg Finley II) and then blaming herself thinking her actions created an unrelated tragedy.  Adrian (Francia Raisa) is apparently at a turning point in her life that could make a major change in all her relationships. 

The Secret Life of the American Teenager Volume Three, is presented on three discs containing the first 12 episodes of Season Two.  It is rated TV 14.  Total running time for the episodes is 522 minutes, and they are available with Spanish or French subtitles.  Special features for this collection are interesting. 

One is “Hat Chat” in which members of the cast pull questions out of a hat and answer them giving insight into the performances and understanding of who they are in real life.  Nicely done, this is much more entertaining than the usual “interview” type features.  Bonus two is the Pilot Episode for ABC Family’s new series “Make It or Break It.” 

Visit the DVD database for more information.