Review of How I Live Now (2013) by Cameron J — 18 Feb 2014

I remember thinking we would see more of Tom Holland when I saw 'The Impossible' and sure enough, here he is in a standout in a role that is unfortunately underwritten. 'How I Live Now' is not without some merit, including the convincing portrayal of the fear that comes with and the European conflict, and the final act comes together quite well, but in a way that only highlights more greatly the lack of solid footing exhibited elsewhere.

Saoirse Ronan does her best with a role that is a little mis-directed; we see what they were going for, but it pushes a bit too hard and becomes less alienated and troubled, and more just irritating. The film wrestles with varying tone, which becomes occasionally distracting, though we get a general sense that in book form, this is probably a lot more solid and important than it is here.

There's a solid lesson in here, and Kevin MacDonald is very earnest about it; it's just a shame there wasn't a better teacher.