Sunday, September 7, 2014

Movie Review: If I Stay

Just came home from watching If I Stay, and sad to say, I found it disappointing.



I've been so excited to watch this for two months now, but it didn't meet my expectations.

Chloe Grace Moretz wasn't as perfect for the lead role as I initially thought. While I was watching the movie earlier, I kept getting flashbacks of her as Hit-Girl. I feel like she's more suited to play a bad-ass rather than the shy, closed off, musically-inclined Mia Hall. Her broad shoulders make her look muscular, and now that I think about it, it seems like she can easily beat up Adam (played by Jamie Blackley). Haha

Speaking of Jamie Blackley, boy, this guy can sing. How I wish Williamette Stone was a real band. They are awesome!

Here are two songs with Blackley on vocals. You're welcome.


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Going back, I read the book last April and I remember it being more focused on Mia and her decision on whether to stay or not, to live or just let go, after everything that's happened (after all, the title is If I Stay). But the movie didn't show that as much as they showed everybody else's reactions to the accident and the loss of Mia's family. Mia just ran and stared for the most part. It didn't feel like she was having a hard time deciding at all. It's like she already made her decision the moment she found out they died. I cried a few times and was sad for everybody.. except for her. I don't know, I just didn't find any emotional connection with Chloe Grace Moretz. Mike even called her the weakest character.

Also, just some info on her playing the cello - it's not really her. I read that she tried to learn for seven months, but it just wasn't working. So the filmmakers just did their magic and put her head onto another girl's body while she faked it. More on that here.

Will decide if the sequel's worth watching when the trailer comes out.