I just showed it to my 6th grade reading classes after we read the
book. Double block- got to show it in one sitting (smile).
It differs from the plot in that (spoiler warning) several scenes
are changed. Notably, the first search plane seems to appear and
leave within a day of his stranding; a skunk never appears, instead
a raccoon steals his food; the porcupine incident appears later in
the story; he wrestles a bear that has chased him; he kills an
attacking bear and later feeds the bear's cubs; and he eats grubs
and worms. Brian's development in the book came through his active
reflection and adaptation, in the movie things seemed to just happen
to him.
Personally, I thought it was alright, but without narration to
relay Brian's thinking and reflections, and thus the lessons he
learns, it loses some of the deeper parts of the book. I had my kids
do a movie review sheet to capture five differences, and then to
justify with two reasons which version they preferred. Many
preferred the movie, but I was pleasantly surprised to see many also
preferred the book because it had richer detail and plot development.
Of note, there is one scene where Brian strips and dives into the
lake, while not graphic, it was a challenge for the younger ones.
On some short occasions, there are a few expletives (nothing really
bad), I reminded them that while they hear it used, it is still not
appropriate for school. Guess that is how it got the PG rating,
other than the closeups of the dead and decaying pilot.
Good luck and enjoy!
On 9/19/06, Maggie Abernethy-Duffin wrote:
I wonder how accurately it follows the plot when
> Ned Beatty (who plays the pilot) is listed with top credit. It
> is supposed to be part of a series. Is it like the book enough to
make viewing it
> worthwhile?
>