User reviews

I adored this book as a kid. I also grew up in the town Twin Mills is based on (Jerry Spinelli's hometown, Norristown, Pa.) and I can guarantee you that the people who made the movie have never been to Norristown. They probably didn't even read the book.

It was much, much too happy and shiny with no sense of its story or setting. Norristown is a bleak town divided by racial tensions; the story of Maniac is one boy making a difference. The movie is a trite little piece of shiny Nickelodeon crap.

All in all, I can't recommend avoiding this movie enough. Just read the book to your kids, and while you're at it, read Dump Days, an excellent companion.

This has got to be the worst book to movie interpretation I have ever seen. I need to wash my tv. And my eyes. Anyone who thinks this is a good movie has never read the book. Booooooo Nickelodeon, in the words of Ebert; I hate hate hated this movie. 1 out of 10

This might be the worst movie adaptation of a book that I have even viewed. I love the book, but the movie only loosely follows the same plot. Honestly, the only good thing about this movie is how bad it is. If you are looking to laugh at a film or compare it angrily to the book, then this is for you. Otherwise, steer clear.

There are some comments that really bring this movie down. I think its an amazing movie and book! You can enjoy it at any age! Anybody who doesn't like this movie should think about their comment some more. Re-watch the movie and really understand it. The characters are really brought to life by the actors and actresses. I'm a real fan of Micheal Angarano. Hes a very talented actor. I hope other people will like this movie as much as I did. So you'll vote a 10 if your smart! If you have a comment on this movie you should really post it. I would like to see what others think of this movie.........................................

I read this book in the 6th grade and thought that this would be as good as the book. Unfortunatly, the left out a lot. Now, creating the book in an hour and a half timeslot is hard. But, they could have mentiod his alergy to pizza. Some of the things they were missing are 1: Greyson. WHERE WAS HE. He was the glimmer of light for Maniac after he ran away from the Beale's home. 2: His aunt and uncle who were mean to him. They didn't love each other and were 'very Catholic' so they didn't get divorced. This stuff irritates me the most, but it was a challange recreating this book. I give this one and a half out of four stars. As far as adaptations go, it ain't no Lord of the Rings...

I have read the book but didn't really understand it. I was thinking "This book would make a good movie". Now, it is. I think this movie is okay. But they forgot some things. Grayson is missing! Anyway, the movie is good.