Starting with the script. I was surprised to find hat it was written by the author of the book himself; I was sure that it was written by someone else and actually was thinking that Nicholls must be really upset with the way it turned out. It simply flies over the entire book and gives a sense of superficiality. It gives me the impression that it has been made unwillingly, in a "oh, let's just get it done" way.
And continuing with the actors. I like James McAvoy, but not in this role. Someone said that he was maybe too mature for an 18-year old and I think that might be right. But, aside that, I didn't see in him the combination of shyness, nerdiness and intelligence of the young man trying to get the girl he was hopelessly in love with AND win the University Challenge to make his dead dad proud. I didn't see it. Oh, let's not forget about the skin problems and the "dead seagull" on his head, seen that in the book they were such a big deal. I would replace McAvoy with Michael Cera. In my opinion, he would impersonate that awkwardness much better, which, exactly!, McAvoy lacks.
I would replace Rebecca Hall with Ellen Page or Mae Whitman. I find them much more appropriate for the role. Hall was indeed a little too intense... And a little too obviously in love. Or Emma Roberts or Jane Levy. Of course, all brunettes.
I would definitely replace Alice with... I don't know who, but someone more profound. I think that Alice is beautiful, yes, but also surprisingly intelligent and sort of bohemian in her being a popular girl. Maybe Britt Robertson or Gillian Zinser or maybe Alyson Michalka or Amber Heard or Brit Marling.
I know that I just transformed it in an all American movie, but they would all speak in a British accent.
Maybe if I hadn't read the book I would've liked the film better... But now I know that it can be better!
And continuing with the actors. I like James McAvoy, but not in this role. Someone said that he was maybe too mature for an 18-year old and I think that might be right. But, aside that, I didn't see in him the combination of shyness, nerdiness and intelligence of the young man trying to get the girl he was hopelessly in love with AND win the University Challenge to make his dead dad proud. I didn't see it. Oh, let's not forget about the skin problems and the "dead seagull" on his head, seen that in the book they were such a big deal. I would replace McAvoy with Michael Cera. In my opinion, he would impersonate that awkwardness much better, which, exactly!, McAvoy lacks.
I would replace Rebecca Hall with Ellen Page or Mae Whitman. I find them much more appropriate for the role. Hall was indeed a little too intense... And a little too obviously in love. Or Emma Roberts or Jane Levy. Of course, all brunettes.
I would definitely replace Alice with... I don't know who, but someone more profound. I think that Alice is beautiful, yes, but also surprisingly intelligent and sort of bohemian in her being a popular girl. Maybe Britt Robertson or Gillian Zinser or maybe Alyson Michalka or Amber Heard or Brit Marling.
I know that I just transformed it in an all American movie, but they would all speak in a British accent.
Maybe if I hadn't read the book I would've liked the film better... But now I know that it can be better!