If I Stay

Okay, so I know what you’re thinking. “Really Melissa, this book and movie have been out for a while.” What can I say? That’s how I roll. I’m not sure why I just said “roll” in air quotes. Anyway, per usual I will try not to put too many spoilers in case you have not read/seen If I Stay, these are just my thoughts after reading the book, and seeing the movie.

Normally I’ve already read the book way, way before the movie comes out. Then I have a habit of after the movie saying “in the book…” And I don’t say that in an “in episode 12 you pressed this button to launch the drones, but in the schematics that button is the tractor beam” way. Well at least I try not to. *she says hopefully, as she crosses her fingers.*

Mostly I just say in the book while my husbands is in the room because I do not want talk to myself. Not that there is anything wrong with talking to yourself. I do it all the time, although I often get worried if I laugh too much at my own amusements like saying quotes from movies I find funny. That’s not crazy right? *She asks herself.*

So back to If I Stay. Hopefully jumping around from the book to the movie does not confuse things. And by things I mean does not confuse myself. Without reading the book first way before the movie this time, I can say the movie does what it is supposed to for those who have not read the book it stands on its own.

If you’ve read the book, then you know that everything goes back and forth from present (the hospital) to past events (memories of Mia’s life). Gayle Forman does a great job of mastering this subtle art. Because I have read some books where the author goes back and forth whether past and present, or two different points of view and it rarely happens but sometimes it does not work. I know, I know I just said that about a book, blasphemy!

When I read the book and I first read the part where they introduce Mia’s parents I was like yep they got the right actors to play her parents for the movie. Mireilli Enos and Joshua Leonard capture the essence of the characters from the book. Although a small part of me wishes they would have developed the depth of the characters like Forman does in the book. I know you can’t have the entire book in a movie because it would be a long movie or a two part movie.

When I was reading the book I was like, “hey in the movie Adam says that when this happens.” Then I had to stop doing that because I felt like the book was judging me. Like the book was staring at me saying “oh, sure of course you find the movie prettier and attractive. Then it’s this whole thing with Jean.” *SNL? Anyone?*

After watching and reading If I Stay I’m glad they cast Jamie Blackley and Chloë Grace Mortez for Adam and Mia. They are believable as a young couple in love. There are some that would say, “why would you write a story about two high school kids being in love, all they do is “fight”?” Well I thought about this too, and I’ve come to the conclusion to be fair their relationship dealt with a lot of stress. One person being away, the other having to stay behind to finish school. I know fictional characters but it’s true that would cause a lot of discussions for a couple.

In watching the special features for the movie. I learned that Jamie Blackley did actually sing. To which I also said, “And he’s British!” I guess my tweet came true. When my husband and I first saw the trailer of Adam walking down the hall, we were like “hey Catalano!”

I also learned in the behind the scenes that R.J. Cutler gave the actors an iPod with the music the characters would have listened to. There are some good special features on the Blu-ray. If I may quote Travis Birkenstock, “Two very enthusiastic thumbs up. Fine holiday fun.”

I like when movies and shows have the music be another character in the story. I think in this case it adds to who the characters are, and how they develop in the story.

If you want to see a movie, or read a book, or both that has good music, memorable characters and true love you should read/watch If I Stay. Now I have to find out Where She Went. Sorry that was a bad pun on the sequel to If I Stay, I could not help myself.