Heartwarming / Carrie (2002)

• At the beginning of the film, and unlike other versions, Tommy is shown to have consideration and respect for Carrie long before the prom. When a boy starts taunting Carrie, Tommy stands up for her by throwing a book at him to shut him up. It's no wonder that she's got a crush on him. It also appears to be somewhat mutual.
• Even though things end in tragedy, Rita Desjarden's Mama Bear protectiveness of Carrie following the locker room incident counts. She combines elements of both a Parental Substitute and Cool Big Sis to Carrie by being both comforting and supporting. Her The Reason You Suck speech over the locker room incident is just icing on the cake.
  • During the prom, she confides in Carrie that they're not so different in that she hated high school too and gives her a reassuring pep talk.
    Rita Desjarden: Just remember: nothing that happens up until now matters after graduation. Nothing. Except—you know, like—studying and good grades. You take what you want and you leave the rest behind. You never even have to see any of these people again if you don't want to.
    Carrie White: I don't?
    Rita Desjarden: No. Oh! But I highly recommend the ten-year reunion.
    Carrie White: Why?
    Rita Desjarden: Everybody's different. People will say "oh my God, so and so hasn't changed at all" but they're lying. Everybody changes and not always for the better. Like... those girls over there?
    (Rita gestures toward a group of popular pretty girls)
    Rita Desjarden: Right now, they're at their peak. They'll never more pretty or more popular. And in ten years, they'll be fat. And the fat girls? Some of them will be thin. And the cute boys will be bald and the jocks will have beer bellies—it's fantastic.
    Carrie White: (giggles) Really?
    Rita Desjarden: I swear to God. And the ones who are miserable... turn out just fine.
    (Carrie breaks into a big smile)
    Rita Desjarden: They do. So enjoy yourself. Try not to take it too seriously and it'll be over before you know it.
  • We then have her confronting Tommy, further reinforcing her Mama Bear status and giving him some advice. She delivers it in a tone that is equal parts pleasant and intimidating.
    Rita Desjarden: Having fun?
    Tommy Ross: Yeah.
    Rita Desjarden: Good. I just thought you should know: if you show Carrie anything less than the time of your life, I'll see to it personally that you're expelled.
    (Tommy has an Oh, Crap! and is appropriately intimidated)
    Rita Desjarden: Do you understand the words that just came out of my mouth?
    Tommy Ross: Yes.
    Rita Desjarden: Then go dance with her.
    (Tommy starts to go back to the table and Rita stops him)
    Rita Desjarden: Stick to the slow songs, she'll look stupid dancing to anything fast.
    (Rita walks off, Tommy takes her advice and moments later has Carrie dance with him to a slow song)
• Besides Rita, Mr. Morton also deserves special mention. He stands up for Carrie and Rita when Chris' father threatens to file suit against the latter and is also genuinely happy for Carrie when she's elected Prom Queen and just as horrified when she and Tommy are hurt and does his best to help everyone.
• Sue's budding friendship with Carrie.
• Helen's Heel–Face Turn. Their dates are friends, so they have to listen to their banter at the prom. Carrie makes a joke that Helen finds Actually Pretty Funny, and then gets amazed when Carrie reveals she made her own dress. Helen later says she'll happily vote for Carrie for prom queen, and gives Tina a Death Glare when she sarcastically wishes Carrie good luck. Helen also runs on stage to see if Carrie's alright after the blood is poured.
• Sue saving Carrie's life, being completely understanding and supportive and getting her to relative safety.
• One small detail is when Carrie and Sue visit the White's grave. Unlike the other versions, the headstone isn't vandalized and it's implied that Carrie wasn't blamed for the disaster. Also, Carrie lays flowers on her mother's grave, making it clear that she still loves her mother despite everything.

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