This beloved classic book by Madeleine L'Engle gets an overhaul in the 2003 Disney Adaptation. This writer's review: so-so. The movie kept to the central themes of the book: a missing father, good vs. evil and the power of love. However, there was something lacking in this retelling. Certain aspects of the book that helps drive the story was missing in the movie and instead replaced with over dramatic action sequences. Here's what I didn't like:
- The Mrs. W's. In the book, they're a trio practically together the entire time. Where one is, the others aren't far behind. They're a united front. In the movie, instead of tessering with all three witches, the kids tesser with only Mrs. Whatsit. They meet the other Mrs. W's one at a time instead of together as a group.
- Calvin's significance. In the book, he was chosen due to his communication skills. He's smart having skipped grades in school and understands the English language. In the movie, he's included because Mrs. Who likes him. No other reason was explained and instead of fighting with brains, he fights with brawn.
- Megs appearance. In the book, Meg is awkward. She wears glasses and braces and hates her hair. In the movie, she's got a pleasing look. Her self-doubt comes from feeling she isn't smart enough like Charles Wallace or her father. And while that's true, in the book she feels she isn't pleasing to look at like her mother, which brings another element to her character. So, when Calvin takes to her, she begins to feel even that more special.
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