Jane Gross

This retelling assumes that you already know the story very well, which I do. Basically it does flashbacks back and forth throughout the whole movie, in huge chunks. If you don’t already know the story it would be impossible to keep up with what time frame you are in. Also, it delivers all the emotional, big moments first, then goes and tells the back story that leads up to them. Basically, it gives you the punchline before you have the setup for the joke (or the reason you should cry.) So when the climactic moments happen, there’s no context or emotional connection. I feel like everyone just forgot how to tell a story. Beginning, middle, end, that sort of old fashioned thing that I guess isn’t cool enough anymore. This is sad because this story is really all about the building and development of human relationships, and the power of that is completely lost in this format. Also, there was really very little development of the friendship between Jo and Laurie, which is the heart of the story. They needed more time! The second star I’m leaving is because this movie IS beautiful. The costumes, the cinematography, the music. Exquisite. SR is PERFECT as Jo. The acting is great, but the storytelling is so wonky that all the big moments had no history to support them. Sad. Watching the 90’s version now to remind myself of what could have been. As pretty as it was, wouldn’t recommend this movie to anyone who loves this story. You won’t find it here.