Review of If I Stay (2014) by Katie N — 01 Sep 2014

This movie has some nice moments, but it's mostly flat drama, or at least that was my impression. I don't want to be too critical because it did have those nice moments, but that injection of powerfulness was far too infrequent.

I can't imagine how dead boring the source material is - a book I don't plan on ever reading. The movie is just one big long flashback while Mia is in a coma. The problem is, this flashback drags without much direction.

Where are things going? What are the filmmakers trying to say? The romance isn't very good. It's not a difficult courtship or a love triangle or a forbidden romance. The two teenagers just click instantly.

Boring! I guess it might be on par with the worst Nicholas Sparks-adapted movies. Things are perfect for the most part, and perhaps that's why I couldn't relate to it. Perfect loving parents .

.. eek! Never heard of such a thing. However, there was a good scene with Gramps where he says parents should show unconditional support for their kids' interests. Ha, not my rotten parents. The troubled boyfriend in the movie fared better in my opinion - he's a tormented soul.

But overall, this is essentially a Chloe Grace Moretz showcase. I don't think the material is a stretch for her. I liked her in Kick-Ass, Kick-Ass 2 and especially the Carrie remake. She's somewhat interesting in this new movie.

She reminded me of Jodie Foster and Michelle Pfeifer combined. Things should've been better: more exciting, dramatic, emotional in a consistent way. The script feels like a dud, and I suppose it felt highly unoriginal.

If you hang in there, you might appreciate some parts. I couldn't help sensing its frequent lifelessness and plodding nature.