the flavor of book. this is the basic virtue of a film about refuges and friendship and solitude and need to be yourself. a simple and nuanced performance from each actor. the air of an age who reminds the atmosphere, the sparkles, dreams and expectations of the universe of the viewer at the same age. the sensitivity reflected in a story who gives nothing new. but it reminds essential truths. and, sure, the young actors. each of them - perfect choice for his role. short - a touching and lovely and useful adaptation. and this is more than a good point. it is a start point for reflect about the precious hours of an unique age.

I'm sorry, but I can't help to be biased. Our whole class loved the book (We stayed in at recess to finish it.) but the movie was not as good! The acting wasn't very good either. The movie was unable to capture the power of the book. (My teacher usually cries when reading it.)Instead, it ended up looking a bit corny. I didn't like The Outsiders movie either! (They were both a bit similar.) I guess we are just used to seeing a superb first-rate book-movie, instead of another movie that looks like it was home-made.I loved the book. Read it.Feel free to send me a Private Message regarding this comment.

I am a fifth grade language arts teacher, and after we read this book (which the students loved), then we watched the movie. They laughed out loud! Unfortunately, it's NOT a comedy! The acting was so awful, I felt like I was watching a bunch of kids in the neighborhood putting on a play. My students were mimicking the lines and making fun off and on the whole way through. I have to agree with them, at times, it was pretty bad. Still, I would show it to students again, just for fun, and to compare the film with the book. We did a Venn Diagram (teachers know what that is) afterward, to show what was the same in both and what were the differences, so there is an educational value in showing it. I noticed that another adaptation is being filmed for 2005 so we can only hope the acting will be better!

Excellent kid's movie about two best friends who make up an imiginary world to help them with their problems. When tragedy strikes one the other must come to terms with what has happened and what the future holds. Good acting, direction and good score as well. Highly recommended. Short movie but excellent.