Why, oh, why did they deviate so much from the book?!

Rating: 7/10 (26 March 2002)

Okay, okay... so the movie is decent. The actresses were fabulous.

The screenplay... well, it certainly left a lot to be desired. Granted, anyone who has read Kaysen's autobiography would understand how it would be difficult--even impossible--to follow the book to the letter. Only an art house film would have a chance, and a mainstream movie company would never even attempt it.
Nonetheless, the movie lost a lot of the book's craziness and dark humor, and somehow led the audience off to NeverNeverLand in the end.

I actually read Kaysen's book for the first time *after* watching the movie because, quite honestly, I thought they left something out or I missed something somewhere. Surprise, surprise. The book has the same premise, even the same character names, but precious little similarities.
In short... watch this movie for the acting. Read the book for the plot.