1980’s: Courneuve, a suburb of Paris. With an absent mother and a violent stepfather, Stéphanie dreams. Of dance, literature, explosive ad slogans and Paris, a door to a better future. Determined to escape a life and an entourage that will condemn her to an existence she doesn’t want, she juggles her studies, her love of dance, her best friend Fatima and Bara, her first love…

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Sylvie Ohayon cites Fish Tank, Billy Elliot and Saturday Night Fever among her inspirations. A great ambition that is evident on screen, but impossible to honor. Adapted from her autobiographical novel, Papa Was Not a Rolling Stone nevertheless reveals itself to be a likeable coming of age movie about an extraordinary teen caught between reality and her dreams, her roots and her desires, in a setting populated by her friends, lovers and family. The problem comes from trying to reunite all these things within a plot that has a hard time offering an effective human adventure that has the same quality as the premise. Despite being set in an interesting place and time, and providing humor and sensitivity, Papa Was Not a Rolling Stone lacks power, is too clichéd and not convincing enough. Luckily, the excellent Doria Achour adds a bit of charm to this appealing but very hazy film.