Dilhya Ross

I almost never agree with the 1 star group on films, but this time they are spot on. As a fan of the book and and owner of two copies of the ‘94 version, I was sorely disappointed to have to stop watching after about an hour. The time jumps were completely uncalled for, as they offered no onsite full perspective- no irony, no foreshadowing, no situational crossover, nothing. The acting was impossibly weak considering how talented most of the actors are. Likewise, casting was abysmal, with no regard to chemistry age, or range. But the kicker for me was the attempt to pass off a 23 year old young lady who sounded like a 45 year old madam as a 12 year old girl. Remember when Miley Cyrus‘ voice didn’t match her age on Hannah Montana? That. But at least Miley was really 15. I have seen every rendition of this book ever made, and at least liked if not loved every single one. I always say it’s hard to mess up a well written song or book, but sadly, it seems the director did so intentionally. Unwatchable for me. Now I have to go cleanse my aesthetic with the PBS version. (Too lazy to pull out the vhs/dvd for the 94. 😜 )