It felt more like a tv movie or an episode of The Wonder Years. Reiner should have done something edgier as he did with Stand By Me. He obviously loves this time period as a youthful setting and I think this movie was another attempt to mine that field. The results were just not as strong.
The movie was based on he novel which was not edgy. Edginess is not the intent of the story being told. Reiner told this particular story in the way he felt it should have been told.
"My friends are in the statehouse. My enemies are gonna be a lot harder to find." - JR Ewing
Yes the book is a remarkable and moving and altogether amazing thing. I love it with all of my heart, and it will forever be my favorite. I cannot thank Wenedlin Van Draanen enough for creating this MASTERPIECE.
Resident at Seattle Grace
Squint at the Jeffersonian