On the outside, I try to project an image of having it all together. But underneath that, I'm kind of a disaster. Hence... the name of the site: GlossyVeneer. Synopsis:
Anna Fitzgerald looks to earn medical emancipation from her parents who until now have relied on their youngest child to help their leukemia-stricken daughter Kate remain alive.
From the IMDB Profile
Notable:
Sofia Vassilieva shaved her hair and eyebrows off in order to play the role of Kate Fitzgerald. Vassilieva described it as being the least she could do to understand Kate’s pain.
Quote:
I tried to wake her up. I poked her and everything.
Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic content, some disturbing images, sensuality, language and brief teen drinking
My Thoughts:
This was a touching movie with deep issues to consider… yet it hardly holds a candle to the book. (When do they ever?) I was a little bothered with how they altered the brother’s character… he was practically a non-entity in the film. Which is kind of part of the reason he is so troubled in the book, the fact that he is so ignored by all the other family drama that he needs to act out.
I was concerned with Cameron Diaz in the role of Sara, the mother. And while I’m still not convinced she was 100% right for the role (she doesn’t seem like the mother of a 17-year-old) she did a fairly decent job with the role.
I understand things need to change for book adaptations, and most of the changes I am pretty comfortable with. The ending is different from the book, but it still felt like an alright conclusion. However, I would recommend people read the book (preferably before seeing the movie) since that is the truly emotionally-wrenching piece, but this is still a solid film.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
