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This adapation of Janet Fitch’s novel of the same name (see Deborah’s review) stars Alison Loman as Astrid Magnussen and Michelle Pfeiffer as her
mother, Ingrid. Also appearing in this movie are Robin Wright Penn and Renee
Zellweger as two of Astrid’s foster parents.
The movie follows closely to the book but leaves out some of the more sexual
scenes, in fitting with the PG-13 rating. As with all movie adaptations,
some characters are removed, others are modified, and some scenes are
re-arranged.
But overall, the substance of the book is preserved. The main plotline of
the movie is Astrid’s journey through a series of foster homes after her
mother is convicted of murdering her boyfriend with the poison of the white
oleander.
I didn’t think too much of this movie. The book wasn’t all that good in the
first place, and the movie just brought out the flaws of the book. However,
I thought Alison Loman’s performance was excellent. Astrid’s journey
through the California Department of Children’s Services and various foster
homes force changes on her and Alison Loman portrays these changes very
well.
A final comment about this movie and the book: I know the kind of people
who become qualified to take foster children, and I have no idea how any of
the women in the book received a license to take foster children. This view
skewed my reading of the book and viewing of the movie. Aside from Astrid,
I just didn’t like the other characters because they don’t fit with my exposure to foster families.
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