Lynn Pettigrew-Norris

Wonderful family film. Went with my siblings and their spouses. The audience response was good evidence for the movie - lots of laughter & clapping. The theater was full. Lots of action & thought-provoking scenes. Enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout. Will make you go home & hug your dog - ha. Putting it on my top 5 movies list. Go see this movie!

Am going to now watch the 1994 version. Was my mother's favorite book & she always wanted me to read it. This version - completely a waste of an evening. Watched it the day after Christmas - in memory of my mother. Was sorry I went. Disjointed. No time was spent developing characters so we understood or even cared. Very confusing - the jumping back & forth. The previous version will show the characters in their element, their life story, and provide time for the viewer to care about them. One scene seemed utterly silly - grown women trying to play teen & pre-teen parts when they switched to the scenes showing their past. The mother character was baffling. Nothing like I'd picture her acting. I spent my time at first being confused, then letting the person by me explain things as best they could, and then finally just bored & waiting for the thing to end so I could leave. I was so looking forward to this movie & wanted to love it - or even like it. Meryl Streep was the only part of the movie I enjoyed. The older wealthy man who lost his daughter - his love for music - enjoyed him too. If you don't know the story or have read the book - don't go. You will be frustrated & confused.