Why does Disney buy properties that are excellent, and then twist them into something less? Artemis Fowl comes immediately to mind, although that could have been much worse. And now the Benedict Society.
At first, it looked promising - more faithful to the original book than Disney is known for. But as the series developed, it went in odd diversions from it, with no discernable reason. I get that films can't really be like the books. But some of the decisions of the writers make no sense.
It stand on its own well enough, for those who haven't read any of the series; and they haven't strayed too far that they can't adapt the later books into something watchable. The actors do an excellent job (and would have done better with better content). I recommend it, though not highly.
I've seen far worse (Timeline springs immediately to mind!), and it's not as bad as Eisner sequels. The best I can hope for is that people will watch this and then wish to give the books a read - that would be true lemonade!
At first, it looked promising - more faithful to the original book than Disney is known for. But as the series developed, it went in odd diversions from it, with no discernable reason. I get that films can't really be like the books. But some of the decisions of the writers make no sense.
It stand on its own well enough, for those who haven't read any of the series; and they haven't strayed too far that they can't adapt the later books into something watchable. The actors do an excellent job (and would have done better with better content). I recommend it, though not highly.
I've seen far worse (Timeline springs immediately to mind!), and it's not as bad as Eisner sequels. The best I can hope for is that people will watch this and then wish to give the books a read - that would be true lemonade!