flatstep77 Some people on these boards apparently want to maintain their adolescence by believing what they read as children has value in the mature world. I watched this with my daughter the day -- she liked the cover -- and realized that I'd read this when I was in school, a long time ago. I hated this when I was 14 -- too many characters, too many cute elements, such smarmy inside jokes. The whole thing left a bitter taste in my mouth, one that I've been trying to erase for a long time. The movie finally did it. Cute but not stupid, you never felt as if you were out of it because you didn't see what the point was. It never patronized or condescended. It was truly liberating.Never mind comparisons to the book, which if you hated you'll love the movie and if you loved the book, you'll hate the movie -- twas ever thus; the movie itself was well acted, beautifully shot, cleverly designed and even done where I grew up in Milwaukee. All in all, excellent. My daughter liked it too. She's 9.

verexal When I was young I was forced to read "The Westing Game" and couldn't stand it. So I was curious that somebody made it into a movie. Well, forget the book -- it was incomprehensible and petty -- it talks down to people. Not so the movie. It actually condenses the feelings and essence of the book and tells it in a fashion that makes it make sense. Whatever weaknesses it has are a result of trying to stick to the horrible book. There are universally good performances, particularly Ashley Peldon and the funny Billy Morrisette. It has some beautiful photography, odd but effective angles and transitions. There's not much to watch with your kids out there, but this is one you can enjoy together.

TributeToBob Ellen Raskin wrote an amazing novel that was smart, witty and unpredictable. This movie was a horrible disgrace to the book (as many are.) Only few movies can pull of books (notice the word few) and they are few (few again!) and far between. This is not one of them. Be advised... stay away.

lujlp The book was far better than this horible theatrical recreation. I makes me wonder if anyone associated with the film has ever read the book. They dropped at least five key characters and then went on to destroy the other characters completly. While the beginning and the end of the movie may have been remotely simmiler to the book, the rest of the movie was a total loss. The book was clevery written leaving you guessing up til the very end with every player intertwining around the others. I was sorley dissapointed, I could see no reason as to why anyone would want to turn such a good book into such a bad movie, It was a complete waste of time and money. Do Not See This Film.