Flowers for Algernon

I watched this movie upon finishing the novel, and I will say it was a really nice rendition. Most everything followed the same plot line, while certain details were altered or omitted. The movie moved along very quickly, and I found myself using my knowledge of the book to follow. However, I found the movie to be emotional, and wonderful. The characters were portrayed beautifully, and I would certainly recommend watching this if you're looking for a heartwarming, tear-jerker!

I remember reading this book in school. I thought it was a sad, but very interesting and touching story. I didn't know they did another version of this book until I saw it at my videostore. I decided to rent it, hoping that it would be just as I remembered the book. It was. Matthew Modine didn't go overboard, which makes him very believable in this role. You'll feel sorry for him, maybe have a little tear at the corner of your eye, but you won't be dissapointed. A story about all humans and the way we perceive each other.

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 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.

This film comes from a fantastic novel dealing with the subject of human intelligence, and it does it justice. There are people I know who did not at all like this film, others are blown out of their mind frames. I think the difference lies in understanding the films premise.

The plot handles a mentally ill man becoming smart, and the effects of that, what he learns, but perhaps more importantly what we as an audience can learn from his experience. It is valued greatly in our world of being stuffed with knowledge, but another source of intelligence is being shaded, which is that of the heart, of compassion, innocence and love. This film explores the importance of both, the result of just one, and I believe it also poses you the question... if you had to choose, which one would you choose?

There is a great introduction to this film on youtube that deals with this subject. I recommend watching that before seeing the film to get the most out of it!

For myself... I cried my heart out and changed my perception of what is important in life. That to me is worth an 8. Yet there are some 10s out there too.