Flowers for Algernon

I was surprised to surf into this movie last week. I remembered the wonderful job Cliff Robertson had achieved in the same role -- movie was called Charly -- and for which he received an Oscar.

Matthew Modine managed to quite believably transform himself into the various personas for this movie -- a very demanding role. At times he even physically seemed to be different persons. Based on this movie, I think he is very under-used and under-rated.

I must admit, the only reason I taped this movie was to see the spellbinding Kelli Williams, from "The Practice." I had no clue what the movie was about, but I figured she could carry the movie no matter what. Besides, I haven't read the book so I knew my view would not be "tainted" in that sense.

Anyway, I was floored by the performances of both Modine and Williams. Modine's performance was good -- at no point was I convinced he was really retarded, but his transition from retarded to gifted and back again was well done. Williams acts with such sincerity and purity, it's easy for me to forget she's acting. Her performance was so genuine, at the end it actually felt as though she had actually experienced the horrible loss that her character experienced. She faces her loneliness utterly alone; she realizes this, and portrays it to a T.

If you missed this film, I hope someday you will get a chance to see it again. If not, at least read the book. I know I will.

I watched this made for television movie last night and found it to be quite an entertaining movie. I read the book in high school, so I was already familiar with the plot. While the book is better (that is inevitable with any film adaptation of a novel), this was a fairly good film. I think that Matthew Modine did a wonderful job playing Charlie Gordon. I have seen an older film adaptation of the novel (I think it was called "Charlie"), and it was nowhere near as good as this version. I recommend this movie to anyone who has read the classic novel.

When I was in high school this was a mandatory read for English. The book it self was awesome... I could picture everything in my head.. Then when we watched the movie in class it was even better then i thought it would be. Although they did leave some parts out it was still a great movie with an awesome plot. I could read this book and watch the movie over and over again.I recommend this for any one who wants a good movie. But before you watch the movie read the book first. If you don't you might not get the plot of the movie. over all I give this movie 8 out of 10. They do leave some parts out so read it before you watch it.

Modine is positively amazing as he traverses thru this movie. It starts light hearted and humorous. It brings up some very fine points. Pacing moves right along, and brings about some fairly profound insight into the nature and heart of man..

Even what could have been a tragic end is transformed back into the simplistic beauty with which the story began.

This movie will make you smile, laugh, shed a tear, and lead to some real 'aha' moments for the viewer. If every person in the world could see this movie, Earth would be a better place.