Guest reviewer: Debbie Bretschneider
Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women 150 years ago, and [amazon asin=0147514010&text=the classic novel] has been made into several movies since. This year the newest version is showing at Cinequest! First-time Director Claire Niederpruem retells this ageless story in a modern setting.
The movie starts with Jo (Sarah Davenport), Meg (Melanie Stone), Beth (Allie Jennings), and Amy (Taylor Murphy) putting on a play from [amazon asin=1420953060&text=The Pilgrim’s Progress], but Beth is videotaping it. And in that one scene, the original book is represented, and yet we know it is a modern setting.
The March family has what may be considered “old-fashioned” values by modern standards and they struggle with trying to fit in with their peers. Meg tries to fit in by going to a high school party at the rich girl’s house, where everyone is drinking shots, but she can’t bring herself to follow the crowd. A reasonable update, and without spoiling anything you can expect that to be continued throughout the film.
All of the characters are there from the book, and the actors have done a wonderful job in bringing their updated selves to life. The emotions are strong –I laughed and cried during this movie; the emotions felt real. Jo is the emotional center of the story, and yet everyone is heard and their story told.
Can you tell I liked it?
Runtime: 115
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Drama
Premiere Status: United States
Language: English
Director: Clare Niederpruem
Screenwriter: Clare Niederpruem, Kristi Shimek
Cast:
Lea Thompson
Ian Bohen
Lucas Grabeel
Bart Johnson
Melanie Stone
Adam Johnson
Sarah Davenport
Taylor Murphy
Michael Flynn
Allie Jennings
Stuart Edge
Showings:
Century 20 Redwood City – Screen 3 Tue, Mar 6 8:00 PM
Century 20 Redwood City – Screen 3 Thu, Mar 8 5:00 PM
Debbie Bretschneider
March 4, 2018
San Jose CA