Nouveau départ

it is only a drawing. more superficial by the first part. more out of minimalistic logic, made for impress, using soap opera recipes for easy effect. Heather Graham looking save the film, the old themes in not most inspired formula, the beautiful young people who continue a war against the past, the taboos as glass shield , the unrealistic solutions for a battle who remains only cruel, almost sadistic. the basic problem - it could be a better adaptation. but the first part not gives high expectations. and that does to see Petals on the Wind as another exercise to transform a series in an easy thriller , exploring only the skin of the book. it could be better. that is the only verdict. but each film has its target. so... Petals on the Wind.

I've read this series several times and had my reservations that the film could be as riveting as the novels. And this being the second in the series further made me leery. But it was all for no reason.... all this film was intriguing from start to finish. Heather Grahams role is done so well and really brings a lot to the screen and her character. This is such a sad horrifying story that is sad and compelling as much as it is horrifying. It dares to bring what many feel are taboo or shocking subjects....child abuse.....incest.....romantic triangles....I loved this and am hoping for the third book to be made into a movie. Well done and highly recommended .

This TV movie version of the beloved cult novel "Petals On the Wind" from Gothic romance author V.C. Andrews, mostly fails for several reasons. Of course it's biggest flaw is the tele-play adaptation. Somebody had the blind arrogance and stupidity to think they could improve on the source material, by making major alterations. Characters and incidents that are imperative to the story are sloppily chopped out of the script. At the same time, newly invented characters are introduced, pointlessly destroying the arc and the rhythm of the story. For instance, Christopher, who was so tortured by his love for his sister in the novel, suddenly finds time to embark on a shallow romance with a twangy speaking Southern airhead named Sara! Their relationship goes as far as the two becoming engaged. Apparently the writers failed to understand that Chris' unswerving devotion to Cathy, was the most tragically romantic aspect of this whole story. The sexy, and dangerous Russian ballet dancer, Julian is suddenly a whiny, un-intimidating Brit. Why? Why castrate one of the most potent and frightening characters in the book like this? I'm guessing the creators of this shallow soap opera were too lazy to do the research, or at least mimic a Russian accent. And remember how evil and terrifying Olivia was in the novel? Not here; now she is a strict, religious fanatic who still has the ability to show sadness and regret for her cruel treatment of the children in the attic. What the hell were they thinking?

Apparently the creators of this film had no idea about the dedicated cult following that these novels have. They are loved and remembered by millions of fans throughout the world. Sadly, the movie could have had the same effect, if they didn't tamper so unforgivably with the storyline. Admittadly I did like the movie a bit more the second time around. By that time my expectations were lowered enough to watch it without getting angry. It isn't a total waste, as the V.C. Andrews story still manages to shine through all the horrible alterations. At it's heart, we still have that sad, and doomed love that exists between Chris and Cathy. The actors for the most part, look as they are described in the novels. Ellen Burstyn is a fine actress, and the movie comes alive the few times she is on screen. But again, I can't figure out why she is playing the Grandmother with a sympathetic edge. And at least the movie does have a very pretty look to it, as well as some effective romantic music.

But it just isn't enough, for something like this. It's very sad, because with the right screen writer, this thing could have been EPIC. I mean, it's supposed to be an 8 hour production when you put all four movies together. I just wonder why they had to gut and slaughter the source material so much. The third book, "If There Be Thorns" is supposed to be realized into a film next...let's hope they don't try and tweak THAT story. to the creators of this series: Get it right next time..there are people out there that actually care, even if you don't...

Petals on the Wind

The best way to get revenge on a bad parent is to abuse them when they get senile.

However the siblings in this drama have chosen to attack much earlier.

A decade after their mother (Heather Graham) and grandmother (Ellen Burstyn) held them captive in the attic of Foxworth Hall, the surviving Dollanganger children: Cathy (Rose McIver), Chris (Wyatt Nash) and Carrie (Bailey Buntain), mourn the death of their adopted father.

With a forbidden fire still burning for each other, Chris and Cathy unwillingly take-on unrelated lovers as they pursue careers in medicine and ballet, respectively.

But a failed encounter with their estranged mother sets off a scheme to spoil her and her new husband's life.

Based on the sequel to Flowers in the Attic, this latest installment in the Dollanganger series is as tawdry, melodramatic and campy as its predecessor.

Furthermore, the best revenge an incestuous couple can get on their mother is having her baby-sit her two-headed grandchild.

Yellow Light

vidiotreviews.blogspot.ca

it is the first impression. and the last. because, after the story from the first part, the expectations are not little. but the choice of director is far to be inspired or clear. the best solution seems be a kind of soap opera, few beautiful actors with a not too large chance to do more than decent work, with a sketch of revenge not real credible, with crumbs of stories and good intentions. and that is all. the result seems be an improvisation. not thriller, not drama. only a story without chances to give memories. confuse, unrealistic, a collection of crumbs who reminds another stories but only in delicate manner. it is not a bad film; only a disappointment for the public of the first part. because the story is interesting and the possibilities to use it many.