Erica Lee

I read the After series when it was first published as books then reread on Wattpad to see the differences. I have since reread After many times. Going into this movie, I knew things would be different. I understand you can't fit every scene from a book in a movie. With all of that being said, I was just disappointed in this movie. As cheesy as it sounds, it broke my heart a little that so much was left out. Tessa and Hardin's relationship was so rushed. If you hadn't read the books, you would be lost. Tessa's mom was too nice. And Jace was in a lot more scenes than necessary. Also Zed was an afterthought. Karen and Tessa's relationship was nonexistent. ***SPOILER*** Some of my absolute favorite scenes from the book were not in the movie whatsoever. All of Hardin's arrogance and brash personality is erased. The scene where Tessa goes to Ken and Karen's house after Hardin smashes the China, well it was such a letdown. Noah and Tessa don't get back together so there's no scene where Tessa tells Noah "I think you should leave" (one of my favorite parts of the book). All of the apartment scenes were rushed, nothing like in the book. Also, um the whole plot twist revolves around the bet. They changed it!! I could go on and on about how many things we changed or simply deleted but I think you probably get my point. All of that aside, I still love After. It's hard to give the movie a thumbs down because I sincerely hope there is a next movie and that the next movie takes all of the criticism given by fans and decides to make a truly amazing movie. I love Anna Todd and I think she incredibly talented. Hero and Joesphine are our Hessa. But maybe let's find some new screenwriters who love After like we do. I need to see the quintessential Hessa, not some generic, PG, no cussing, no arguing, non-sarcastic, vanilla version that I saw in this movie. Bring on After We Collided and give us the movie we deserve!