Petals on the Wind

There isn't a single thing about this pitiful excuse for a movie that I liked. The acting is so bad it's laughable. I grew up reading the books and was hoping it would at least be a decent adaptation but it's even worse than I could have imagined. Don't waste your time.

it is only a drawing. more superficial by the first part. more out of minimalistic logic, made for impress, using soap opera recipes for easy effect. Heather Graham looking save the film, the old themes in not most inspired formula, the beautiful young people who continue a war against the past, the taboos as glass shield , the unrealistic solutions for a battle who remains only cruel, almost sadistic. the basic problem - it could be a better adaptation. but the first part not gives high expectations. and that does to see Petals on the Wind as another exercise to transform a series in an easy thriller , exploring only the skin of the book. it could be better. that is the only verdict. but each film has its target. so... Petals on the Wind.

If you watched 'Flowers in the Attic' recently you will want to watch this sequel. But be warned it's not as well done or well acted. There was just too much story for a 2 hour movie. A 2 part mini series would have been better. Every few minutes a dramatic event happens with insufficient lead up, it felt like an extended trailer. The latter third and the final confrontation and fire were almost like on fast forward. Because things moved so quickly it felt like Cathy was jumping in and out of bed like in some trashy day time soap. The acting of the new leads isn't as good as in Flowers. Rose McIver is pretty but a bit full in the face for a ballerina. Someone more slender would have fit the bill better. She wasn't vulnerable looking enough for the events surrounding her. Wyatt Nash is a bit too stoned faced and expressionless. His reaction in dramatic scenes was high school amateurish. Mason Dye in Flowers acted more tortured than he did. Heather Graham acted suitably high strung and Ellen Burstyn was still vindictive enough in her few minutes of screen time. Their acting elevated the standard for part of the movie. If you are a fan of the books or enjoyed Flowers you will want to watch this for completeness. Hopefully if the do the next movies in the series they will do a better job.