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Just returned from an early screening of the latest YA novel turned film and I loved it just as much as I hoping I would. If you are a fan of coming-of-age films, this is definitely one to check out.
Also, I can’t wait to see where Nick Robinson’s career takes him. I think he’s definitely someone to watch. And Katherine Langford, she’s on the rise as well.
The audience was very responsive during the film, which made for an even better experience.
If you check it out, share your thoughts here.
ReplyAs far as book-to-movie adaptations are concerned, Love Simon may be as perfect as they get. The film manages to maintain the strengths of the book while also improving its weaknesses. Something I think most adaptations try to achieve but often aren’t able to all that well. This was just as good, if not slightly better which I hate to say, but it may be true. Slightly.
I’ve followed Nick Robinson ever since Frenemies (no idea why I ever watched that, but I did) and he has naturally only gotten better and better in every movie since, with The Kings of Summer and Being Charlie as standouts and Simon being his very best performance to date. The entire cast was pitch perfect in their roles so much so that I would really love to see this group back together again. Also have to mention Jennifer Garner serving a teen rom-com version of the Michael Stuhlbarg monologue. Amazing.
Basically imagine if John Hughes came back to direct a modern coming-of-age with an LGBT focus. There should be more movies like this. Tonight was honestly the most engaged and vocal I’ve ever seen an audience in any theater for any movie ever. People of all ages. Audible cheers, gasps, laughing, crying, stomping the floor? in excitement? I guess? TONS of cheering and clapping. Because how often do you actually get to see two gay teens have a John Hughes happy ending? There needs to be more movies like this.
ReplyCopy URLI also caught an advance screening. Not transcendent like Call Me by Your Name, but very solid and consistent. Screenplay by two of the writers from This is Us! They wrote several memorable episodes, including both finales. The director is DC-CW king Greg Berlanti. I like the message about how hard it is to come out, even under optimal conditions. I had issues with the ending, but I suppose that the gay community is long overdue for a film with a typical, cheesy, not-entirely-earned ending of that sort. Katherine Langford was better than some of this year’s supporting actress Oscar nominees.
ReplyCopy URLI attended a preview last night (not out in my country until April 6) and yeah the John Hughes comparisons are insanely accurate and just what Hughes would do if he started today.
I didn’t like how fast paced the film was compared to the book and I didn’t feel like Simon & Leah’s history was explored enough.
Performance wise, it’s first time I’ve watched something with Robinson and not immediately thought Ryder Scanlon. Personally I loved Abby & Emily (Shipp & Garner) just felt like they completely lost themselves in their roles and were the real highlights of the film for me.
As for box office performance I can see a scenario where performs similar to Greatest Showman or LD’s The Butler, where it consistently performs well in the range for a number of weeks.
I terms of awards potential, I can see Robinson getting into Globes Comedy as the breakout young actor in a teen film (a la Stone / Steinfeld) and maybe depending on competition maybe adapted screenplay.
3.5/5, would definitely recommend.
ReplyCopy URLA shame that this and Call Me By Your Name are being compared, but alas, this was a fantastic film. It felt intimate and familiar and hit all of its intended notes. I’m so happy for all of the young gay men who will have this to identify with at the start of their journeys – “I’m still me.”
Oh, and the ending was everything. Langford and Robinson have incredible screen presence. I can see a slew of awards coming their way in the years to come.
B+
ReplyCopy URLI absolutely loved this movie! I went with a large group and every single one of us loved it! A perfect fun film! I know: it doesn’t have a strong pedigree, a well-known director, blah blah blah. Greg Berlanti’s direction is terrific. As others have said, it improves on the book’s weaknesses and has all of its strengths. And the performances: Nick Robinson as Simon, Jennier Garner as his mother Emily, Josh Duhamel as his father Jack, Katherine Langford as Leah, Alexandra Shipp as Abby, Jorege Lendeborg Jr as Nick, Keiynan Lonsdale as Bram, Logan Miller as the obnoxious yet human Martin, Talitha Bateman as sister Nora, Tony Hale as Vice Principal Worth, Natasha Rothwell as the wonderful drama teacher Ms Albright (scene-stealer!), and Joey Pollari as Lyle – this film deserves a SAG nomination for Best Ensemble Cast and I truly hope it is remembered at awards season next year.
This film is fun, comedic and dramatic, great music, wonderful ideas, terrific performances! We had long discussions about the movie afterwards; I was the only one who had read the book. So far, this is my favorite film of 2018! (:
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