I haven't seen the movie. In fact I don't even know if it has been released, and with both leading actors being "least favorites" of mine I rather don't care to see it. But I have seen the trailer and as in most cases, Hollywood has taken incredible liberties. It's obviously based on a book and has nothing really to do with how the story actually goes, except with the aging premise.
The book, however, was pretty nice. It wasn't amazing or remarkable, but it was a creative story and quite enjoyable. I liked that Fitzgerald didn't flourish unnecessarily. It was simply told and easy to envision, and had a good sense of humor. I wanted to not like it because I was biased by dislike for Brad Pitt (who is unrelated to the book, but you know, judgements carry over sometimes) but I have to say that I did like it and I would recommend reading it to anyone who is interested. It's quick, anyway, and it's sortof told like a children's story. Actually, it probably would've made a really great (albeit somewhat grim) children's movie had they directed it that way.
On a scale of 1-5, 5 being the most enjoyable, I give it a hearty 4.5! (And I give the beautifully designed Penguin book cover a 5, because it's great design. Can't go wrong with design when it comes to most Penguins.)
This is amusing to me, because I went and saw the movie, having very similar reservations. I'd read a book called "The Confessions of Max Tivoli," which was based on the Fitzgerald story, and I liked it a whole lot, and was sort of annoyed that the movie people didn't give it any props (although, looking back, I'm not sure why they would have). Brad Pitt is also one of my least faves, but I like Cate Blanchett a lot.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I really really liked the movie. I even cried at the end (whaaaat!). And now I am being forced to re-evaluate my dislike of Brad Pitt. Maybe I can just like him as Benjamin Button and as nothing else, including a real person?
Point is, maybe you should see it when it comes out on video, even if just for comparison's sake. I'd watch it with you.
Also, you are giving me all kinds of ideas, like a rating system and tags. Of course! *goes back to edit her posts*
I'm glad someone else is doing this.
What!!! The ever-steely nerve of Kstreet was tampered with enough to CRY? Maybe I have to see this despite the Brad Pitt involvement. I most certainly say you're allowed to like him as a single character and nothing else! Why not?
ReplyDeleteYeah, I am obsessed with organizing things and it bugs the shit out of me if I can't go back and find something I remembered from a long time ago. Thus the ratings and the tags, hooray!
I'm glad YOU started this! It gave me motivation.
when did you read this? . . .
ReplyDeleteDuring my four hour shift at work yesterday morning! I googled "read books online free" and stumbled across it.
ReplyDelete