Hey guys! So, I have been DYING to share this review. I saw this movie early last week, but have been waiting to post it for my Monday review which works out since the hubby and I will be spending the next couple of weekends watching the STARZ mini-series Sparticus (we saw the first 4 episodes this weekend and OH MAN IS IT GOOD!).
Anyway, we're speaking today about Speak, a movie based on the book by Laurie Halse Anderson. It was an independent made film directed by Jessica Sharzer and starring Kristen Stewart who was absoltuely AMAZING as Melinda Sordino. I mean, truly, truly amazing. She had this character down to a tee (IMO). The best thing about this movie was that it paralleled the book more than any book to movie translation I've ever seen, which was a huge relief as it did great justice to Anderson's book/story. It's kind of crazy, but I thought to myself that if that stupid Prof Scroggins who so obviously skimmed through the book, found a few key words and then made a total moronic assumption that the book was pornographic in nature, had watched the movie instead, perhaps he would have had a very different feel for what Anderson's story was actually telling. The acting in this movie was wonderful. I cried several times and the way they slipped the scenes of what happened to her were done smoothly. The actual scene of what happens frightened me. It made me cry and cover my eyes a bit. If Scroggins saw that scene and believed it pornographic then he's doomed for a life in hell. Seriously.
Ugh, I have to watch this. It sounds so good!!! Although they make the art teacher seem like he has a much bigger role than he did in the book at getting her to talk. Maybe I need to re-read the book.
It may seem like that from the clip, but he actually doesn't. His role isn't that huge other than he gets her very into art which seems to have a therapeutic release for her.
I'll have to check it out on DVD. My mom saw it on cable, knowing nothing about the book, and she liked it. I love Steve Zahn, but it's okay if he has a minor role!
I really need to see this! I just finished the book too, so the timing is perfect. Thank you for the reminder and your fabulous review.
i liked steve zahn in this.
and i agree it matches up so nicely and kirsten does such a fab job - matched melinda so well.
I really need to read the book AND see the movie. Great review!
OMG, I watched this a while back. I've also read Wintergirls and am still trying to finish Speak. Being a victim myself, I find it hard to read about those things and caught myself wincing in a few scenes in the movie. But I loved the movie. It really addresses some major concerns when it comes to being a teen under pressure. I also liked how folks kept telling her to speak up (for other reasons). It really upped the tension. I wished it was longer. I hated when I got to the credits.