Based on the novel by Wendelin Van Draanen, “Flipped” tells the story of Bryce and Juli. The film follows the two from grade school through junior high. The two are completely different personality wise, but as with any good love story, that’s what makes it worth the obstacles, and it keeps it interesting.
Bryce doesn’t feel the same about Juli in the beginning, she swoons over his baby blues and he barely knows she exists. As with any young boy, he finds the girl to be weird. But as they age and evolve, Bryce begins to realize that Juli’s weird mannerisms are what make her compassionate and beautiful on the inside.
The novel rang so true when it came to the dialogue between the adolescents, it was impossible to not identify with one or both of the main characters. I hope the film adaptation keeps the same flow and essence which made the book so lovable. I am beyond weary of film adaptations these days, especially after “My Sister’s Keeper,” which totally changed the entire ending from the book (I still believe somebody owes Jodi Picoult an apology).
The trailer for “Flipped” looks nostalgic, and, for lack of a better word, innocent. I am looking forward to seeing the two kid actors Madeline Carroll as Juli Baker and Callan McAuliffe as Bryce Loski in the lead roles. I find it refreshing and uplifting to see young actors play such character developing roles. The supporting cast includes Rebecca DeMornay, Anthony Edwards, Aidan Quinn and Penelope Ann Miller. A film such as this is predestined to have potential, its not only a family friendly film, but one we can all look at and chuckle as we know what it’s like to be young.
The cast is sturdy and with Rob Reiner directing and Warner Bros. and Castle Rock behind the production, I fail to see how the film could “flop.” Is it going to bring in what “Karate Kid” has? Highly doubtful, as it’s not a “blockbuster,” but after the success of “The Blind Side,” I am no longer so quick to dismiss the box office potential of character stories. With big names attached, I also don’t foresee the movie drifting too far from the novel (seriously, has anyone apologized to Jodi Picoult?). I can’t help myself from thinking of Bryce and Juli in the same manner I do as Noah and Ally, just a decade or so earlier. Young love can be true love, and friendships form the platform for love, we have all “Flipped” at least once in our lives, I can’t wait to flip again.
. . .
Follow Jessika Owens on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jessika.
I actually thought this trailer looked really cute and innocent. It kind of has a “My Girl” mixed with “Now and Then” feel to it. I will definately see this because I love character driven stories!
If Reiner is directing it, I’ll check it out.