The Secret Garden

Anytime I see the words "re-adaptation" (or in this case, a new take) I'm always a little skeptical. I've read a few reviews where they were critical because it didn't follow the original story. Well a re-adaptation means it's only going to be loosely based on the original! Please keep that in mind if you choose to watch this. Do I think it could have been better? Sure. But I'm not going to be a Monday Morning Quarterback and say what I think might be wrong with some things because it would be partly influenced by having read the book. I will say it is a good story that, as a family movie, it better that a lot of remakes that have come out in the past 5-10 years. As of this review, it is $13 on Google Play to purchase. If you want to wait for a rental option, you can. Don't watch this with a preconception of what you know of the original story. You will enjoy it more! The CGI isn't overwhelming, it has a good message, and there aren't those little "adult" connotations you may find in other so-called family movies.

There was some beautiful cinematography in the garden, but the character development was minimized and it only vaguely followed the story in the book. Anyone who is a fan of the book will be deeply disappointed in both the additions (the dog?) and the subtractions from the classic story.

The movie may be good but I absolutely will not pay 20 dollars for a rental. I will wait and buy it from the store or go somewhere else where I can get it at a reasonable price. Outrageous!