While on vacation in Miami two weeks ago I read the book "Water for Elephants" (check out the review here). I wanted to be absolutely sure I read it before seeing the movie. Since that mission was complete, Sunday afternoon I went with a friend to check it out.
You hear people say all the time, "The movie is never as good as the book." Well, that was 100 percent true in this case. After the lights came up at the end of the film, I turned to my friend and said, "I imagine this is what it's like when you read Cliff Notes instead of the actual book. You get a very basic summary of the plot, but none of the beautiful, painful details."
Though Robert Pattinson is undeniably handsome and Reese Witherspoon was literally glowing she's so magnificent, the story felt like it was on fast forward. They cut out entire scenes, critical relationships and even characters pivotal to the development of the story. I realize having finished the book just two weeks ago, every detail is fresh in my mind, but I couldn't believe how much they just hacked right out.
On the plus side, it was fun to watch the old school circus come to life and the costumes in the film were stunning, particularly Witherspoon's. Her performance outfits are exquisite.
If you are thinking about seeing this movie, but have not read the book, I beg of you, read the book first. It's positively incredible and the movie doesn't even come close.
