The filmmakers can't seem to unearth the novel's inherent lightheartedness and instead treat too many events with earnest seriousness, trampling the original story's lively spirit in heavy-handed drama.
– Connie Ogle,
Miami Herald,
22 Aug 2003
fresh:
With eloquent dialogue but scant smoldering passions, the mushy machinations nicely nudge director Tim Fywell's gentle little film.
– Bruce Westbrook,
Houston Chronicle,
8 Aug 2003
rotten:
Dollops on the usual romantic, family and class conflicts with a very heavy ladle, which pretty much smothers the whimsical mood Fywell strains so hard to attain.
– Terry Lawson,
Detroit Free Press,
8 Aug 2003
fresh:
A refreshingly mature look at first love and life's often-rough transitions.