great book and poorly do movie . cheesy performance and contrive situation make this movie a sentimental bore fest . flat and uninspired work from most of the actor leave this film in the after school special category . no doubt there be a lot of talent to be tap in this cast and crew but something go horribly wrong the very talented gretchen mol attempt to pull this film out of the mire but even she can not seem to rise above the silly dialogue . feel like everyone just phone it in . even the makeup ( mulrooney age 20 year over the course of the film ) look amateurish and crude . don not waste your time on this clunker . go read the book .